TOURNAMENT LEGACY

Argentina won their second World Cup title, defeating West Germany 3-2 in the final. This tournament is most famously associated with Diego Maradona, who delivered one of the greatest individual performances in World Cup history—scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists, including the controversial 'Hand of God' goal and the iconic 'Goal of the Century' (a solo run past five England players) in the quarter-finals. The format remained 24 teams, with an initial group stage (6 groups of 4), followed by a knockout round from the round of 16 onwards. France, led by Michel Platini, reached the semi-finals but lost to West Germany on penalties. This was the second World Cup hosted by Mexico (after 1970) and the first to use a yellow and red card system. The mascot was 'Pique', a jalapeño pepper wearing a Mexico jersey, reflecting the country's cuisine.