Date: May 31 – June 29
Argentina achieved their second world title, beating the Federal Republic of Germany in the Estadio Azteca.
It was a good match between two strong sides. Argentina went two nil up early in the second half. Federal Republic of Germany did not back down, tying the score with two goals in seven minutes. The game was decided six minutes before the final whistle, Jorge Burruchaga took advantage of an open space created by the German defense, scoring the winning goal and giving his country the trophy. West Germany lost their second consecutive World Cup final.
France finished third, defeating Belgium in extra time. It was Michel Platini’s last World Cup appearance and the first one for Jean-Pierre Papin. Belgium had an outstanding performance, with Jan Ceulemans as their main star.
Italy, 1982 WC champions, lost in the Round of 16 against France.
Canada participated in their first (and only) World Cup, filling 1 of only 24 spots available. The Great White North was drawn in Group C (France, Soviet Union and Hungary), losing all three games.
The Netherlands did not take part in this competition (again), failing in the European Qualifiers.
During this tournament, Diego Maradona scored his most famous goals, both in Argentina’s victory over England in the Quarter Finals. The first one an illegal and detrimental handball, the other a great individual goal.
Format
There was a change in the format. FIFA decided to bring back the Round of 16, Quarter Finals, and Semifinals. The two best teams of each group qualified to the knockout stage. The number of national teams did not vary (24).
1986 World Cup Mexico: Argentina 
1986 World Cup Mexico: Argentina
Results
Semifinals
France vs. Federal Republic of Germany: 0 – 2
Goals: Andreas Brehme 9′, Rudi Völler 90′
Argentina vs. Belgium: 2 – 0
Goals: Diego Maradona 51′ – 63′
Third Place
France vs. Belgium: 4 – 2
Goals: Jan Ceulemans 11′, Jean-Marc Ferreri 27′, Jean-Pierre Papin 43′, Nico Claesen 73′, Bernard Genghini 104′, Manuel Amorós 111′ (penal)
Final
Argentina vs. Federal Republic of Germany: 3 – 2
Goals: José Brown 23′, Jorge Valdano 56′, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 74′, Rudi Völler 81′, Jorge Burruchaga 84′
Top Scorers
| Player | Country | Games Played | Goals |
| 1. Gary Lineker | England | 5 | 6 |
| 2. Careca | Brazil | 5 | 5 |
| 3. Diego Maradona | Argentina | 7 | 5 |
[Images property of Ficha Deportiva: Panini S.p.A. – Modena Album]
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