THE SPORTSMISTAKES RECORD

Hand of God

1986 • Soccer • Referee Mistake • Missed Handball
Hand of God — SportsMistakes artwork

THE STORY

On June 22, 1986, during the FIFA World Cup quarter-final at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, Argentina's Diego Maradona scored a controversial goal using his left hand, which the officials did not see, allowing the goal to stand. It gave Argentina a 1-0 lead over England, and Argentina eventually won the match 2-1.

TEAMS / PEOPLE: Diego Maradona, Argentina, England

WHY IT MATTERS

The "Hand of God" goal remains one of football's most infamous officiating controversies and a lasting example of how an undetected infringement can affect a major match.

JUDGE AND LEARN VOTE • PICK 3 REASONS • ADD YOUR TAKE

SOURCES