Mexico, with its searing heat and thin air, hosted the 13th World Cup finals less than a year after being hit by a massive earthquake that left 30,000 dead.
The quarter final between Brazil and France, who had already knocked out holders Italy, was the match of the tournament. A flowing match finished 1-1 before France won the penalty shootout 4- 3.
Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal, when he punched the ball into the net, and a spectacular solo effort gave Argentina victory over England in the last eight. He produced more magic to see off Belgium in the semi-finals.
West Germany beat France in the semi-finals, but in the final they were quickly 2-0 down to Argentina, Jose Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano scoring.
Somehow the Germans recovered. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller netted in the closing stages to force extra-time, only for Maradona to send Jorge Burruchaga through for the winner.
Final: June 29, 1986 - Argentina-3: West Germany-2
WORLD CUP LEGEND
Diego MARADONA
Argentina: b. 1960
The most gifted footballer since Pele, whose ability for creating headlines off the pitch is surpassed only by his astounding performances on it.
In 1982 he was sent off for a disgraceful kick on a Brazilian opponent as Argentina crashed out before the semi- finals.
But in Mexico he was unstoppable as Argentina triumphed. An outrageous handball goal and a dazzling solo effort past six defenders beat England, and he produced another sensational zig- zag dribble in the semi-finals against Belgium.
Maradona's first-time through pass set up Argentina's winner in the final against West Germany.
Four years later he inspired an ordinary and negative Argentina side to the final, finishing it in tears as West Germany won with a penalty.
At USA 94 he was back, seemingly slim and sharp, despite drug problems, only to be kicked out of the tournament after testing positive for a cocktail of amphetamines.
Maradona was Argentina's coach from November 2008 until July 2010.
1986 WORLD CUP TOP SCORERS
Gary Lineker (ENG) 6
Diego Maradona (ARG) 5
Emilio Butragueno (SPA) 5
Careca (BRA) 5
1986 WORLD CUP TRIVIA
- Mexico became the first country to stage two finals after the original hosts Colombia, financially bankrupt, withdrew their application.
- Ray Wilkins became the first England player to be sent off in the World Cup when he was redcarded in a 0-0 draw with Morocco for throwing the ball at the referee.
- Uruguay's Jose Batista was sent off after just 55 seconds for hacking down Gordon Strachan in a 0-0 draw with Scotland.
- Argentina's Marcelo Trobbiani made his one and only World Cup appearance as an 88th-minute substitute in the final against West Germany, equalling the record for the shortest World Cup career set by Tunisia's Khemais Labidi in 1978.
1986 WORLD CUP WINNING SQUAD
Argentina
Goalkeepers: Luis Islas, Neri Pumpido, Hector Miguel Zelada
Defenders: Jose Luis Brown, Nestor Clausen, Jose Luis Cuciuffo, Oscar Garre, Ricardo Giusti, Julio Jorge Olarticoechea, Daniel Passarella, Oscar Ruggieri
Midfielders: Sergio Almiron, Sergio Daniel Batista, Ricardo Bochini, Jorge Burruchaga, Hector Adolfo Henrique, Diego Maradona
Forwards: Claudio Borghi, Pedro Pablo Pasculli, Carlos Tapia, Marcelo Trobbiani, Jorge Valdano
Coach: Carlos Bilardo