world cup 1986

Host: Mexico
Winners: Argentina
Runners-up: West Germany
Third Place: France
Fourth Place: Belgium
Top Goalscorer: Gary Lineker (England) – 6 Goals
Participants: 24 (Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Northern Ireland,  Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Soviet Union, Uruguay, West Germany)

The 1986 World Cup seen Mexico host their second World Cup after they held the tournament back in 1970. Mexico failed to make an impression though with Argentina securing their second title with West Germany coming close as Runners-up. The final was an enthralling encounter but one the Germans won’t be fond off after losing 3-2.

Mexico‘s decision to host the finals came at short notice after FIFA elected Mexico as the hosts in 1983, just three years before the tournament was set to begin. Forutnatly, Mexico already had the necessary requirements to host a World Cup after they held the tournament back in 1970. However, this all came about after Colombia withdrew their bid after they were intially elected as the hosts for the 1986 World Cup. Colombia declared that they could not afford to host such as prestigious event. However, Mexico were more then happy to play the hosts once more and with that they became the first nation to host two World Cups.

Final:

Argentina 3 – 2 West Germany – Estadio Azteca ~ 114,600 Attendance

Goalscorers:

Argentina – Brown, Valdano, Burruchaga
West Germany – Rummenigge, Voller

Third Place Play-Off:

France 4 – 2 Belgium (After Extra-Time)

Goalscorers:

France – Ferreri, Papin, Genghini, Amoros
Belgium – Ceulemans, Claesens