Diego Maradona 'Hand of God' goal, explained: Revisiting Argentina's 1986 World Cup controversy that still haunts England

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Diego Maradona 'Hand of God' goal, explained: Revisiting Argentina's 1986 World Cup controversy that still haunts England originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Diego Maradona is a legend of Argentine soccer and the sport in general, but his most iconic World Cup moment should never have happened, according to the rules.

Maradona's "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup lives in soccer lore in part because it was explicitly illegal, though he would score another goal in the match to set the stage for Argentina's run to the title.

Forty years later, as Argentina and England face off on the world stage again, the English squad is hoping fortune swings back their way.

Here's a complete look back at Maradona's iconic "Hand of God" goal.

MORE:Complete England vs. Argentina history

What is the 'Hand of God' goal in soccer?​

Maradona scored the goal now known as the "Hand of God" against England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup. The goal received its name because Maradona last touched the ball with his fist, which should have made the goal illegal.

Maradona was contesting the ball alongside England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who was eight inches taller. Maradona would have also been offside, but the ball last went off an English player rather than a teammate. Maradona made contact before Shilton could, leaving a wide-open net for Argentina to take a 1-0 lead early in the second half.

Players aren't able to touch the ball with their hands or arms, but officials didn't see the moment from the right angle and didn't realize Maradona touched the ball with his fist before it went into the net.

After the game, when asked about the possible missed handball, Maradona described the play as such:

"[It was] a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."

MORE:England's 'It's coming home' meaning, explained

Diego Maradona 'Hand of God' goal video​

Here's the full sequence before and after Maradona's "Hand of God" goal, including Maradona's celebration and England's frustration with the non-call.


The broadcast video gives a glimpse into what the officials saw -- or didn't see -- as it isn't clear from behind Maradona that his hand touches the ball first.

When was the 'Hand of God' goal?​

The "Hand of God" goal came during the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup, which was won by Argentina. England's lone World Cup win came in 1966, so the defeat extended a drought that still lingers to this day.

Argentina and England met again in the World Cup in 1998, but their 2026 semifinal meeting could be the opportunity England has long waited for to get back into the final and potentially end a 60-year drought.

Why was 'Hand of God' goal allowed?​

In an era that preceded VAR and instant replay, officials simply didn't have the right angle and didn't see that Maradona's fist touched the ball.

English players vehemently protested the goal, prompting the referee to consult with another official, but the second opinion offered no objection. The goal stood, and Argentina jumped out to a 1-0 lead.

In today's game, the goal would have been taken off the board by VAR, which would be able to tell Maradona touched the ball with his hand.

MORE:Argentina's anti-England chant, explained

England vs. Argentina 1986 World Cup​

England and Argentina met in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup four years after the Falklands War between the two nations, with Argentina advancing to the semifinals on its way to a World Cup win.

'Hand of God' goal​

Early in the second half, Maradona's hand delivered the opening blow when he contested a ball with England goalie Peter Shilton and found the back of the wide-open net. Officials didn't notice, but Maradona touched the ball with his fist, meaning the goal shouldn't have counted. Despite protests from the English players, the play wasn't overturned in an era that didn't include instant replay or VAR.

'Goal of the Century'​

Just four minutes after the "Hand of God," Maradona broke away and ran 60 yards for his second goal of the half. Sprinting past English defenders, Maradona put a move on Shilton and found the wide-open net for a 2-0 Argentina lead.

In 2002, Maradona's second goal was voted "Goal of the Century" after the turn of the century.

Gary Lineker breathes life into England​

England had to get aggressive after falling behind 2-0, and it resulted in a crucial goal from Gary Lineker in the 81st minute. The English star's goal was his sixth of the World Cup, but it would be his last with England unable to find a second goal.

Argentina holds on​

Argentina withstood England's attack over the game's final 10 minutes and even generated some more opportunities of its own, with one shot attempt hitting the post. That was enough for a 2-1 Argentine win, making the "Hand of God" a long-lasting, painful memory in the history of English soccer and an iconic moment for Argentina on the road to a World Cup win.

Diego Maradona scores 'Goal of the Century'​

Four minutes after the most controversial goal of his life, Maradona broke free and ran 60 yards past several England defenders to score his second goal of the day.


After his moment with Shilton just minutes earlier, the English goalkeeper couldn't protest this goal. He came out to try to save Maradona's attempt but went down after a move by the Argentine star, leaving the net wide open for a backbreaking goal.

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