1986 World Cup — Match schedule.
Updated June 20, 2026 · DynastyDaily Editorial · ● Live Last updated: 2026-06-21T02:18:50Z
Direct answer
The 1986 FIFA World Cup ran 31 May – 29 June 1986 with 52 matches at 12 venues. The opening match was Italy 1-1 Bulgaria, and the final was Argentina 3-2 West Germany.
1986 match schedule — summary
| Dates | 31 May – 29 June 1986 |
| Total matches | 52 |
| Teams | 24 |
| Venues | 12 |
| Opening match | Italy 1-1 Bulgaria |
| Final | Argentina 3-2 West Germany |
| Format | Groups → knockout |
The story
Diego Maradona's tournament. Against England in the quarterfinal he scored both the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century". He dragged Argentina to the title almost single-handedly, winning the Golden Ball. Mexico stepped in as host after Colombia withdrew.
Knockout fixtures & results
Round of 16
- Mexico 2-0 Bulgaria
- Belgium 4-3 Soviet Union (a.e.t.)
- Brazil 4-0 Poland
- Argentina 1-0 Uruguay
- France 2-0 Italy
- West Germany 1-0 Morocco
- England 3-0 Paraguay
- Spain 5-1 Denmark
Quarterfinals
- France 1-1 Brazil (4-3 pens)
- West Germany 0-0 Mexico (4-1 pens)
- Argentina 2-1 England (Hand of God + Goal of Century)
- Belgium 1-1 Spain (5-4 pens)
Semifinals
- West Germany 2-0 France
- Argentina 2-0 Belgium
Third-place playoff
- France 4-2 Belgium (a.e.t.)
Final
- Argentina 3-2 West Germany
Related
See the full 1986 edition profile, the 1986 final classification, and our finals history.
Tables and ranking points refresh as matches finish. Standings · Match schedule · World Cup 2026
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