Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' Goal Marks 40 Years Since 1986 World Cup Upset

On June 22, 1986, Argentina’s Diego Maradona scored the match‑winning goal against England in the World Cup quarter‑finals by striking the ball with his hand, an incident that escaped detection by the referee and his assistants. The goal gave Argentina a 1‑0 lead; a few minutes later Maradona added a second, widely hailed as the “Goal of the Century,” to secure a 2‑1 victory.

Four decades later the controversy is still recalled, with Maradona himself describing the incident as “a little with Maradona’s head, a little with God’s hand.” The “Hand of God” goal remains a defining moment in football history, celebrated and debated across the sport’s global fan base.