1986 World Cup: A Complete Look At Every Match

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 1986 FIFA World Cup, a tournament remembered for Diego Maradona's brilliance and Argentina's triumph. This article is your ultimate guide to every single match played during this iconic World Cup. Get ready for a nostalgic trip filled with unforgettable moments, stunning goals, and nail-biting finishes. We’ll break down each game, offering insights and recaps that will make you feel like you're reliving the magic all over again.

Group Stage Matches

The group stage of the 1986 World Cup set the stage for the drama and excitement that would follow. Each match had its own unique story, contributing to the overall narrative of the tournament. From surprising upsets to dominant performances, the group stage was a true reflection of the global diversity and competitiveness of football. Teams battled not only for points but also for momentum, hoping to carry their success into the knockout rounds. The strategies, formations, and individual brilliance displayed during these matches provided a glimpse into the tactical evolution of the game. For fans, these early games were a chance to witness emerging talents and established stars alike, all vying for a chance to etch their names in World Cup history. The atmosphere in the stadiums was electric, with supporters from around the world creating a vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds. Every pass, tackle, and shot carried the weight of national pride and the dreams of millions.

Group A

Italy vs. Bulgaria (1-1): The defending champions Italy kicked off their campaign with a disappointing draw against a resilient Bulgarian side. Italy, led by Alessandro Altobelli, struggled to break down Bulgaria's defense, and the match ended in a stalemate. This result immediately put pressure on the Azzurri. Bulgaria, on the other hand, gained confidence from holding the reigning champions and set a positive tone for their tournament.
Argentina vs. South Korea (3-1): This match marked the beginning of Diego Maradona's legendary journey in the tournament. Argentina, led by their talisman, secured a comfortable victory against South Korea. Maradona's influence was evident as he orchestrated the attack and created numerous opportunities for his teammates. South Korea showed glimpses of their potential but ultimately couldn't contain the Argentine firepower. The game highlighted Argentina's ambition to go far in the tournament.
Italy vs. South Korea (3-2): In a thrilling encounter, Italy narrowly defeated South Korea in a five-goal thriller. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying attacking intent. Italy's experience proved crucial as they managed to edge out the Koreans. This win was vital for Italy's hopes of progressing to the next round, while South Korea showed they were no pushovers.
Argentina vs. Bulgaria (2-0): Argentina continued their winning streak with a solid victory over Bulgaria. Maradona was once again the star of the show, contributing with both goals and assists. Argentina's cohesive team play and tactical discipline were on full display. Bulgaria, despite the loss, remained competitive and determined to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Argentina vs. Italy (1-1): The highly anticipated clash between Argentina and Italy ended in a draw. This match was a tactical battle, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. Maradona and Altobelli both scored, but neither side could find a winner. The draw ensured Argentina topped the group, while Italy had to settle for second place. The game was a testament to the quality and competitiveness of both teams.
South Korea vs. Bulgaria (1-1): South Korea and Bulgaria played out a draw in their final group match. Both teams fought hard, but neither could find the decisive goal. The result meant that both teams were eliminated from the tournament. Despite their exit, both South Korea and Bulgaria left their mark on the World Cup with spirited performances.

Group B

Mexico vs. Belgium (2-1): The host nation, Mexico, started their campaign with a hard-fought victory over Belgium. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with the home crowd cheering on their team. Mexico's determination and tactical organization proved too much for Belgium. This win set the tone for Mexico's successful run in the tournament. Belgium, despite the loss, showed their quality and potential to bounce back.
Iraq vs. Paraguay (0-1): Paraguay secured a narrow victory over Iraq in a closely contested match. The only goal of the game came from a set-piece, highlighting Paraguay's effectiveness in dead-ball situations. Iraq, making their World Cup debut, showed promise but lacked the experience to secure a positive result. The game was a tactical battle, with both teams focusing on defensive solidity.
Mexico vs. Paraguay (1-1): Mexico and Paraguay played out a draw in a tightly contested match. Both teams created chances, but neither could find a winner. The draw kept Mexico at the top of the group, while Paraguay remained in contention for a place in the knockout stages. The game was a testament to the competitive nature of the group.
Iraq vs. Belgium (1-2): Belgium bounced back from their opening defeat with a narrow victory over Iraq. The match was a closely fought affair, with Iraq putting up a strong fight. Belgium's experience proved crucial as they managed to edge out the Iraqis. This win boosted Belgium's chances of progressing to the next round, while Iraq showed they were capable of competing at the highest level.
Mexico vs. Iraq (1-0): Mexico secured their place in the knockout stages with a narrow victory over Iraq. The home crowd roared their team on to victory, creating a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium. Iraq fought bravely but ultimately couldn't break down the Mexican defense. The game was a celebration of Mexican football and their passionate fans.
Paraguay vs. Belgium (2-2): Paraguay and Belgium played out a thrilling draw in their final group match. Both teams needed a win to secure their place in the knockout stages, and the match was full of drama and excitement. The draw meant that both teams progressed to the next round, with Belgium finishing second in the group.

Group C

France vs. Canada (1-0): France, led by Michel Platini, began their campaign with a narrow victory over Canada. The French struggled to break down Canada's defense, but eventually found a breakthrough. Canada, making their World Cup debut, showed resilience and determination. The game was a tough test for France, who were considered one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Soviet Union vs. Hungary (6-0): The Soviet Union produced a stunning performance to thrash Hungary in their opening match. The Soviets' attacking prowess was on full display, with numerous players getting on the scoresheet. Hungary were completely overwhelmed and struggled to cope with the Soviet Union's intensity. This result sent a message to the rest of the tournament about the Soviet Union's potential.
France vs. Soviet Union (1-1): France and the Soviet Union played out a draw in a highly anticipated match. Both teams showcased their attacking qualities, but neither could find a winner. The draw ensured that both teams remained in contention for a place in the knockout stages. The game was a tactical battle, with both teams trying to outmaneuver each other.
Hungary vs. Canada (0-2): Canada secured a historic victory over Hungary in their second group match. The Canadians' disciplined defense and clinical finishing proved too much for Hungary. This win boosted Canada's chances of progressing to the next round, while Hungary faced an uphill battle to stay in the tournament.
France vs. Hungary (3-0): France bounced back from their draw against the Soviet Union with a comfortable victory over Hungary. The French attack was in full flow, with Platini leading the way. Hungary struggled to contain the French and were eventually outclassed. This win ensured France's place in the knockout stages.
Soviet Union vs. Canada (2-0): The Soviet Union secured their place in the knockout stages with a victory over Canada. The Soviets' superior quality shone through as they dominated the match. Canada fought hard but ultimately couldn't match the Soviet Union's intensity. The game was a testament to the Soviet Union's strength and their ambition to go far in the tournament.

Group D

Spain vs. Brazil (0-1): Brazil, led by Socrates, began their campaign with a narrow victory over Spain. The match was a tactical battle, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. Brazil's experience proved crucial as they managed to edge out the Spaniards. This win set the tone for Brazil's successful run in the tournament. Spain, despite the loss, showed their quality and potential to bounce back.
Algeria vs. Northern Ireland (1-1): Algeria and Northern Ireland played out a draw in their opening match. Both teams fought hard, but neither could find the decisive goal. The result meant that both teams had to win their remaining matches to secure a place in the knockout stages. The game was a physical battle, with both teams displaying their determination.
Spain vs. Algeria (3-0): Spain bounced back from their opening defeat with a comfortable victory over Algeria. The Spanish attack was in full flow, with numerous players getting on the scoresheet. Algeria struggled to contain the Spanish and were eventually outclassed. This win boosted Spain's chances of progressing to the next round.
Northern Ireland vs. Brazil (0-3): Brazil secured a comfortable victory over Northern Ireland in their second group match. The Brazilians' superior quality shone through as they dominated the match. Northern Ireland fought hard but ultimately couldn't match Brazil's intensity. The game was a showcase of Brazilian football and their attacking flair.
Spain vs. Northern Ireland (2-2): Spain and Northern Ireland played out a thrilling draw in their final group match. Both teams needed a win to secure their place in the knockout stages, and the match was full of drama and excitement. The draw meant that both teams were eliminated from the tournament.
Algeria vs. Brazil (0-1): Brazil secured their place in the knockout stages with a narrow victory over Algeria. The Algerians put up a strong fight, but ultimately couldn't break down the Brazilian defense. The game was a testament to Brazil's defensive solidity and their ability to grind out results.

Group E

West Germany vs. Uruguay (1-1): West Germany, one of the tournament favorites, started their campaign with a disappointing draw against Uruguay. The Germans struggled to break down Uruguay's defense, and the match ended in a stalemate. This result immediately put pressure on West Germany. Uruguay, on the other hand, gained confidence from holding the strong German side.
Scotland vs. Denmark (0-1): Denmark secured a narrow victory over Scotland in a closely contested match. The only goal of the game came from a stunning strike, highlighting Denmark's attacking quality. Scotland, despite the loss, showed promise but lacked the experience to secure a positive result. The game was a tactical battle, with both teams focusing on defensive solidity.
West Germany vs. Scotland (2-1): In a thrilling encounter, West Germany narrowly defeated Scotland in a three-goal thriller. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying attacking intent. West Germany's experience proved crucial as they managed to edge out the Scots. This win was vital for West Germany's hopes of progressing to the next round.
Uruguay vs. Denmark (1-6): Denmark produced a stunning performance to thrash Uruguay in their second group match. The Danes' attacking prowess was on full display, with numerous players getting on the scoresheet. Uruguay were completely overwhelmed and struggled to cope with Denmark's intensity. This result sent a message to the rest of the tournament about Denmark's potential.
West Germany vs. Denmark (0-2): Denmark secured a shock victory over West Germany in their final group match. The Danes' disciplined defense and clinical finishing proved too much for the Germans. This win ensured Denmark topped the group, while West Germany had to settle for second place.
Scotland vs. Uruguay (0-0): Scotland and Uruguay played out a goalless draw in their final group match. Both teams fought hard, but neither could find the decisive goal. The result meant that both teams were eliminated from the tournament.

Group F

Morocco vs. Poland (0-0): Morocco and Poland played out a goalless draw in their opening match. Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the match ended in a stalemate. This result meant that both teams had to win their remaining matches to secure a place in the knockout stages. The game was a tactical battle, with both teams focusing on defensive solidity.
Portugal vs. England (1-0): England, led by Gary Lineker, began their campaign with a disappointing defeat against Portugal. The English struggled to break down Portugal's defense, and the match ended in a narrow loss. This result immediately put pressure on England. Portugal, on the other hand, gained confidence from their victory.
Morocco vs. England (0-0): Morocco and England played out another goalless draw in their second group match. Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the match ended in a stalemate. This result meant that both teams faced an uphill battle to secure a place in the knockout stages. The game was a physical battle, with both teams displaying their determination.
Portugal vs. Poland (1-0): Poland secured a narrow victory over Portugal in a closely contested match. The only goal of the game came from a stunning strike, highlighting Poland's attacking quality. Portugal, despite the loss, showed promise but lacked the experience to secure a positive result. The game was a tactical battle, with both teams focusing on defensive solidity.
Morocco vs. Portugal (3-1): Morocco produced a stunning performance to defeat Portugal in their final group match. The Moroccans' attacking prowess was on full display, with numerous players getting on the scoresheet. Portugal were completely overwhelmed and struggled to cope with Morocco's intensity. This result sent a message to the rest of the tournament about Morocco's potential.
England vs. Poland (3-0): England bounced back from their earlier defeats with a comfortable victory over Poland. The English attack was in full flow, with Lineker leading the way. Poland struggled to contain the English and were eventually outclassed. This win ensured England's place in the knockout stages.

Knockout Stage Matches

The knockout stage of the 1986 World Cup was where legends were made and dreams were either realized or shattered. Each match was a high-stakes affair, with no room for error. The tension was palpable, and the atmosphere in the stadiums was electric. Teams had to dig deep, both physically and mentally, to overcome their opponents. Tactical adjustments, individual brilliance, and sheer determination were all crucial factors in determining the outcomes. The knockout stage provided some of the most memorable moments in World Cup history, including stunning goals, dramatic comebacks, and heart-breaking defeats. For fans, these matches were an emotional rollercoaster, filled with excitement, anxiety, and ultimately, either jubilation or despair. The pressure of representing their nation weighed heavily on the players, and only the strongest and most resilient teams could navigate their way to the final. The knockout stage was a true test of character and a celebration of the beautiful game.

Round of 16

Mexico vs. Bulgaria (2-0): The host nation continued their impressive run with a comfortable victory over Bulgaria. The Mexican team, buoyed by the passionate home crowd, dominated the match from start to finish. Bulgaria struggled to contain Mexico's attacking threat, and the hosts secured their place in the quarter-finals. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with the Mexican fans celebrating their team's success.
Soviet Union vs. Belgium (3-4 AET): In a thrilling encounter, Belgium edged out the Soviet Union after extra time in a seven-goal thriller. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying attacking intent. Belgium's resilience and determination proved crucial as they managed to overcome the Soviets. This win sent Belgium to the quarter-finals and marked them as a team to watch.
Brazil vs. Poland (4-0): Brazil showcased their attacking prowess with a dominant victory over Poland. The Brazilian team, led by their star players, tore through the Polish defense. Poland struggled to cope with Brazil's intensity and were eventually outclassed. This win underlined Brazil's status as one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Argentina vs. Uruguay (1-0): Argentina secured a narrow victory over their South American rivals, Uruguay. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams displaying defensive solidity. Argentina's Maradona proved to be the difference, scoring the decisive goal. This win sent Argentina to the quarter-finals and kept their World Cup dream alive.
Italy vs. France (0-2): France continued their impressive run with a comfortable victory over Italy. The French team, led by their midfield maestro Michel Platini, controlled the match from start to finish. Italy struggled to contain France's attacking threat, and the French secured their place in the quarter-finals. The win was a statement of intent from France, who were determined to go all the way.
Morocco vs. West Germany (0-1): West Germany secured a narrow victory over Morocco in a closely contested match. The Moroccan team, despite their spirited performance, couldn't break down the German defense. West Germany's experience and tactical discipline proved crucial as they managed to edge out the Moroccans. This win sent West Germany to the quarter-finals.
England vs. Paraguay (3-0): England bounced back from their earlier struggles with a comfortable victory over Paraguay. The English attack was in full flow, with Gary Lineker leading the way. Paraguay struggled to contain the English and were eventually outclassed. This win boosted England's confidence and set them up for a quarter-final clash against Argentina.
Denmark vs. Spain (1-5): Spain produced a stunning performance to thrash Denmark in their round of 16 match. The Spanish attack was in full flow, with numerous players getting on the scoresheet. Denmark were completely overwhelmed and struggled to cope with Spain's intensity. This result sent a message to the rest of the tournament about Spain's potential.

Quarter-Finals

Mexico vs. West Germany (0-0 AET, 1-4 on penalties): The host nation's dream run came to an end as they were defeated by West Germany on penalties. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams displaying defensive solidity. Neither team could find a breakthrough in regulation or extra time, leading to a tense penalty shootout. West Germany held their nerve to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Brazil vs. France (1-1 AET, 3-4 on penalties): In another thrilling quarter-final, France edged out Brazil on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The match was a classic encounter, with both teams showcasing their attacking qualities. Neither team could find a winner in regulation or extra time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. France's goalkeeper proved to be the hero, saving crucial penalties to send his team to the semi-finals.
Argentina vs. England (2-1): This match is one of the most controversial and memorable in World Cup history. Maradona scored two goals, the first being the infamous