England to face Mexico at Azteca, 40 years after Diego Maradona Hand of God | OneFootball

Harry Kane struck twice in the final quarter of an hour as England beat DR Congo 2-1 to reach the 2026 World Cup last 16.

According to L'Équipe, they will meet Mexico at Mexico City’s Azteca on Monday at two am, the venue indelibly linked to the Hand of God four decades ago.

England have played one World Cup match there, the 1986 quarter-final against Argentina on 22 June. At 0-0 in the 51st minute, Diego Maradona beat Peter Shilton to a high ball with his hand to put Argentina ahead.

Four minutes later he ran from his own half, dribbled past almost the entire England team, Shilton included, and scored the Goal of the Century for 2-0. Gary Lineker pulled one back in the 81st minute but England were eliminated, Argentina later lifting the World Cup as Maradona’s legend grew.

Old memories could resurface in the small hours from Sunday into Monday. This time it is against the host nation, and with VAR a handball goal appears unlikely. England’s defence will also need to contain Julian Quinones.

Source: L'Équipe