Eh! 22 June 1986. Estadio Azteca, Mexico City. England vs Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final — just four years after the Falklands War between the two nations. The score was 0-0 in the 51st minute. Diego Maradona challenged for a high ball with England keeper Peter Shilton. The Argentine punched the ball into the net with his LEFT HAND. The referee gave the goal. After the match, Maradona said the goal was scored 'a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the HAND OF GOD.' THE most iconic non-goal moment in football history!
Match: Argentina vs England | Year: 1986 | Round: Quarter-Final
Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | Category: Controversy
The Moment That Defined Football
- Maradona punched the ball over Peter Shilton's head with his LEFT HAND in the 51st minute
- Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser and Bulgarian linesman Bogdan Dochev both failed to spot the handball
- Maradona famously named the goal 'the Hand of God' in his post-match interview with reporters
- He scored the legendary Goal of the Century just FOUR minutes later in the same match — pure genius
- Argentina won the match 2-1, eliminated England, and went on to win the World Cup in Mexico
The Verdict
The Hand of God is the GREATEST non-goal moment in World Cup history. A cheat. A genius. A national hero. Just four years after the Falklands War, Maradona reached up and punched the ball past Shilton — and then four minutes later scored the Goal of the Century. The double act made him a GOD in Argentina and a VILLAIN in England forever. THE most iconic moment in football!
Thank You for Following 30 Days of World Cup Moments!
Over the past 30 days, we've counted down the most magical moments in World Cup history. From Beckham's redemption to Maradona's Hand of God, these were the moments — not just goals — that defined what the World Cup truly is. Saves, dramas, tragedies, celebrations, and controversies that proved football is the most emotional sport on Earth.
What is YOUR #1 World Cup moment of all time? Tell us in the comments below!
