Argentina 1986 World Cup Squad: A Moment That Changed Football
The Argentina 1986 World Cup team holds a special place in football history. They were more than just a group of players. They became a symbol of passion, strength, and national pride.
Led by the legendary Diego Maradona. Their journey at the 1986 FIFA World Cup is one of the most memorable in sport.
Join us as we explore Argentina’s 1986 squad. Read about their path to victory, standout players, team tactics, and the legacy they left behind. Whether you are a football fan or simply curious about great sporting moments, this piece is designed to be both clear and enjoyable.
The Historical Background
The 1986 World Cup came at a tough time for Argentina. The country was recovering from a harsh military dictatorship. Football became a way for people to find hope and unity. When Carlos Bilardo took over as coach. Many questioned his approach. But under his guidance, the team grew into a strong unit—one built around the brilliance of Maradona.
Argentina’s Journey to the Final
Argentina began the tournament in Group A, alongside Italy, Bulgaria, and South Korea. They finished top of the group with seven points.
In the knockout rounds, they defeated:
- Uruguay (1–0) in the Round of 16
- England (2–1) in the quarterfinals
- Belgium (2–0) in the semi-finals
In the final, they faced West Germany in a thrilling match that ended 3–2 in Argentina’s favour. It was a game full of drama, skill, and heart.
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Key Players in the Argentina 1986 Squad
While Diego Maradona was the star, Argentina’s win was a true team effort. Some of the standout players included:
- Jorge Valdano – A clever forward who scored four goals, including one in the final.
- Jorge Burruchaga – Scored the winning goal in the final and played a key role in midfield.
- Óscar Ruggeri – A strong defender who helped keep the back line solid.
- Nery Pumpido – The goalkeeper made vital saves throughout the tournament.
These players did not just support Maradona—they helped make history.
Maradona’s Magic in Mexico
No story about the 1986 World Cup in Argentina is complete without mentioning Diego Maradona. In Mexico, he played the best football of his career.
He scored five goals and made five assists. His two goals against England. The famous ‘Hand of God’ and the stunning ‘Goal of the Century’—have become legendary.
Maradona’s skill, leadership, and creativity turned the tournament into his personal stage. FIFA.com described his 1986 performance as “the most dominant in World Cup history.”
Tactics and Team Shape
Coach Bilardo used a 3-5-2 formation. This system gave the team a strong defence. They allowed attacking freedom. Maradona played just behind the strikers, where he had space to create chances.
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Wing-backs added width. The midfield pressed hard when out of possession. The team mixed structure with flair, making them hard to predict. This made them harder to beat.
The Lasting Legacy
The Argentina 1986 squad inspired a new wave of players and coaches. Their win lifted the nation’s mood and shaped the identity of Argentine football.
Maradona became a global icon, and the team secured its place in history. The quarter-final against England remains one of the most talked-about matches in World Cup history.
Even today, fans still sing their names, watch documentaries about them, and hold tribute matches in their honour.
For more, visit The Guardian – Argentina and the Beautiful Game.
Where Are They Now?
Many players from the 1986 team moved into coaching, media, or football management. A few highlights:
- Carlos Bilardo managed again but later retired from public life.
- Jorge Valdano became a respected football writer and commentator.
- Óscar Ruggeri often appears on Argentine sports programmes.
- Jorge Burruchaga worked as general manager for the national team.
Their journeys continue to inspire both long-time fans and younger generations.
Why Argentina 1986 Still Matters
Source: Deposit Photos
The Argentina team of 1986 showed what passion, talent, and teamwork can achieve. Their story was more than a football tale—it was about national pride, struggle, and success.
Forty years later, their impact is still felt. Their journey reminds us that, in football, anything is possible—and that greatness often comes when we least expect it.
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1986 world cup is the reason I support Argentina national team .