The infamous World Cup quarterfinal between England and Argentina — won, defined, and immortalised by Diego Maradona… and by the hand of God.
One of the most absorbing and accessible documentaries ever made about the sport.
The Match 2026
El Partido
Mexico, 1986. England and Argentina meet in the World Cup quarterfinal with more than a little animosity between them, the two nations at war. A game played in the shadow of the conflict over the Falkland Islands, the lead up to the match was as much about pride and political capital, as it was about football. That all changed once a certain Diego Maradona stepped onto the pitch and wrote his name into the history books.
40 years on from one of the most memorable World Cup games of all time, those who were there relive not only that crazed game, but the context surrounding it. Some famous faces recall the chaos with good humour – English national treasure Gary Lineker is affable covering off the English language narration; John Barnes wears a wry smile throughout – others hold more than a touch of bitterness (see: Peter Shilton). While fans of La Albiceleste can settle in for a triumphant dose of nostalgia, this intimate account of the infamous “hand of God” quarterfinal might still be a hard watch for those with three lions on their shirts.
– Matt Bloomfield