Thomas Tuchel has claimed England will finally get World Cup “karma” when they face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, 40 years after Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal knocked them out of the 1986 World Cup. The England manager, speaking ahead of the match, said he loves World Cup history and promised that England are due some luck in one of the most intimidating stadiums in world football.
Return to the Azteca
England return to the Azteca Stadium for the first time since that fateful quarter-final in 1986. Mexico, joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup, have played 89 competitive games at the Azteca, winning 70, drawing 17, and losing just two — both this century, against Costa Rica in 2001 and Honduras in 2013.
Tuchel on the Hand of God
When asked what the Hand of God goal meant to England, Tuchel said: “Not only as English people. Even me. I didn’t have a connection to it but it means something. Yes, it will reward us. We will get it back. It’s karma. Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around.”
Tuchel was just 12 during the 1986 World Cup but knows what that quarter-final still means. Maradona punched the ball past Peter Shilton in what is widely regarded as the biggest cheat in World Cup history. Tuchel added: “I remember of course the World Cup of Maradona. Two goals against England. One that was dribbling and one that would never stand these days.”
History at St. George’s Park
Tuchel noted that images from the 1986 World Cup are displayed at St. George’s Park, England’s training base. “These big framed pictures from Gary Lineker scoring in I think Guadalajara and of course of the coaches and Peter Shilton. Big pieces of history. This is a big moment to make peace with the stadium and turn things around.”
Atmosphere and Expectations
Tuchel also insisted that England will be braced for a red-hot atmosphere in the Azteca, where Mexican fans will far outnumber the travelling supporters. “We are ready for the challenge,” he said. The match is expected to be a stern test for England, who are looking to exorcise the ghosts of 1986.
