1986 World Cup Squads: Complete List

by Jhon Lennon 37 views

The 1986 FIFA World Cup was a legendary tournament, filled with memorable moments and iconic players. Held in Mexico, it saw Diego Maradona lead Argentina to victory in a display of sheer brilliance. But beyond the superstars, the tournament was defined by the collective strength and strategies of each participating nation. This article dives into the complete squads of every team that competed in the 1986 World Cup, offering a glimpse into the players who shaped this historic event.

Group A

  • Argentina: Argentina's squad was, of course, headlined by Diego Maradona, arguably the greatest footballer of all time. But the team was more than just one player. Coached by Carlos Bilardo, the squad featured a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Key players included goalkeeper Nery Pumpido, defenders JosĂ© Luis Brown and Oscar Ruggeri, midfielders HĂ©ctor Enrique and Ricardo Giusti, and forwards Jorge Valdano and Jorge Burruchaga. Maradona’s incredible performances throughout the tournament, especially his goals against England, are etched in football history. The tactical approach of Bilardo, focusing on a solid defense and allowing Maradona freedom to create magic, proved to be a winning formula. The victory in 1986 cemented Argentina's place among the footballing elite and solidified Maradona's legacy. The team's spirit and determination were evident in every match, making them a formidable force to be reckoned with. Beyond Maradona, players like Valdano and Burruchaga provided crucial goals and assists, while the defense remained resolute under pressure. The blend of individual brilliance and team cohesion made Argentina a deserving champion. Fans worldwide remember this team with fondness, celebrating their achievement as one of the most iconic in World Cup history.
  • Italy: As the defending champions, Italy arrived in Mexico with high expectations. Coached by Enzo Bearzot, who had led them to victory in 1982, the squad featured several returning players from that triumph. Paolo Rossi, the hero of the 1982 World Cup, was still a key figure in the attack. Other notable players included goalkeeper Giovanni Galli, defenders Franco Baresi and Gaetano Scirea, midfielders Bruno Conti and Giuseppe Bergomi, and forward Alessandro Altobelli. Despite the presence of experienced players, Italy struggled to replicate their success from four years earlier. They finished second in their group, drawing all three of their matches. The team's performance was considered underwhelming, and they were eventually eliminated in the round of 16 by France. The aging squad and a lack of fresh ideas contributed to their inability to compete at the same level as in 1982. Bearzot's tactics, which had worked so well in the past, seemed less effective against the evolving strategies of other teams. The pressure of being the defending champions also weighed heavily on the players, hindering their performance. Despite the disappointment, the Italian squad still boasted several world-class players who had achieved great success in their careers. Their contribution to Italian football remains significant, and their legacy is secure. However, the 1986 World Cup served as a reminder that even the best teams can struggle to maintain their dominance in the face of changing circumstances.
  • Bulgaria: Bulgaria's squad was led by coach Ivan Vutsov and featured a mix of domestic-based players and those playing in European leagues. Key players included goalkeeper Borislav Mihailov, defender Petar Petrov, midfielders Ayan Sadakov and Georgi Dimitrov, and forwards Hristo Stoichkov and Bozhidar Iskrenov. While Stoichkov would later become a global superstar, he was still a relatively unknown quantity at the time. Bulgaria finished third in their group, managing two draws and one loss. They were unable to advance to the knockout stage. The team's performance was respectable, considering the strength of their opponents in the group. Stoichkov's potential was evident, and he would go on to achieve great success in the years that followed. The experience gained in the 1986 World Cup proved valuable for the Bulgarian players, helping them to develop and improve their game. The team's participation in the tournament also raised the profile of Bulgarian football on the international stage. Although they did not achieve significant success, the Bulgarian squad left a positive impression with their fighting spirit and determination. Their contribution to the tournament is remembered fondly by Bulgarian football fans.
  • South Korea: South Korea made their return to the World Cup after a long absence, and their squad was composed entirely of players from the domestic K-League. Coached by Kim Jung-nam, the team aimed to make a positive impression on the world stage. Key players included goalkeeper Oh Yun-kyo, defender Cho Young-jeung, midfielders Park Chang-sun and Lee Tae-ho, and forwards Cha Bum-kun and Choi Soon-ho. Cha Bum-kun was a well-known figure in German football, having enjoyed a successful career with Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen. South Korea finished fourth in their group, managing one draw and two losses. They showed glimpses of promise but ultimately lacked the experience and quality to compete with the stronger teams. The team's participation in the tournament was a significant step forward for South Korean football, helping to raise its profile and inspire future generations of players. Cha Bum-kun's presence in the squad added a touch of glamour and provided valuable leadership. The experience gained in the 1986 World Cup proved invaluable for the development of South Korean football, paving the way for future success. Although they did not achieve significant results, the South Korean squad left a positive impression with their hard work and dedication. Their contribution to the tournament is remembered fondly by South Korean football fans.

Group B

  • Mexico: As the host nation, Mexico had the advantage of playing in front of their passionate home fans. Coached by Bora Milutinović, the squad featured a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. Key players included goalkeeper Pablo Larios, defenders Fernando Quirarte and RaĂşl ServĂ­n, midfielders Javier Aguirre and Tomás Boy, and forwards Hugo Sánchez and Manuel Negrete. Hugo Sánchez was a prolific goalscorer who played for Real Madrid at the time. Mexico topped their group, winning two matches and drawing one. They advanced to the knockout stage, where they defeated Bulgaria before losing to West Germany in the quarter-finals. The team's performance was considered a success, as they reached the quarter-finals for the second time in their history. The home support played a crucial role in their success, creating a vibrant and intimidating atmosphere for their opponents. Milutinović's tactical approach, focusing on a strong defense and quick counter-attacks, proved effective against several teams. Sánchez's goals were vital in securing victories, while Negrete's spectacular volley against Bulgaria remains one of the most memorable goals in World Cup history. The Mexican squad of 1986 is fondly remembered by fans for their passion, skill, and determination. Their achievement in reaching the quarter-finals inspired a generation of Mexican footballers and contributed to the growth of the sport in the country.
  • Belgium: Belgium's squad featured several talented players who would go on to achieve success at club level. Coached by Guy Thys, the team included goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff, defenders Eric Gerets and Michel Renquin, midfielders Jan Ceulemans and Enzo Scifo, and forwards Nico Claesen and Erwin Vandenbergh. Belgium finished second in their group, winning one match, drawing one, and losing one. They advanced to the knockout stage, where they defeated the Soviet Union in a thrilling match before losing to Argentina in the semi-finals. The team's performance was impressive, as they reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history. Pfaff's goalkeeping heroics were crucial in several matches, while Ceulemans provided leadership and experience. Scifo's creative playmaking and Claesen's goals were also vital to their success. The Belgian squad of 1986 is remembered for their attacking flair, tactical flexibility, and strong team spirit. Their achievement in reaching the semi-finals marked a golden era for Belgian football and inspired a new generation of players. The team's success also contributed to the growing popularity of the sport in Belgium and helped to establish the country as a competitive force in international football.
  • Paraguay: Paraguay's squad was coached by Cayetano RĂ© and featured a mix of domestic-based players and those playing in South American leagues. Key players included goalkeeper Roberto Fernández, defenders CĂ©sar Zabala and Rogelio Delgado, midfielders Adolfo Jara and Julio CĂ©sar Romero, and forwards Alfredo Mendoza and Buenaventura Ferreira. Paraguay finished third in their group, managing one win, one draw, and one loss. They advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. However, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by England. The team's performance was respectable, considering the strength of their opponents in the group. Romero's creative playmaking was a key feature of their game, while Fernández provided solid goalkeeping. The Paraguayan squad of 1986 is remembered for their defensive resilience, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit. Their participation in the tournament helped to raise the profile of Paraguayan football on the international stage and provided valuable experience for the players. Although they did not achieve significant success, the Paraguayan squad left a positive impression with their hard work and dedication. Their contribution to the tournament is remembered fondly by Paraguayan football fans.
  • Iraq: Iraq made their only appearance in the World Cup in 1986, and their squad was coached by Evaristo de Macedo. The team was composed entirely of players from the domestic league, reflecting the challenges faced by Iraqi football during that period. Key players included goalkeeper Raad Hammoudi, defenders Khalil Mohammed and Samir Shaker, midfielders Basil Gorgis and Ali Hussein, and forwards Ahmed Radhi and Hussein Saeed. Iraq finished fourth in their group, losing all three of their matches. However, their participation in the tournament was a significant achievement for Iraqi football, providing a source of national pride and inspiration. Radhi scored Iraq's only goal in the World Cup, a memorable moment for Iraqi football fans. The team's participation in the tournament also helped to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the country and its people. Despite the difficult circumstances, the Iraqi squad displayed great courage and determination, earning the respect of fans around the world. Their contribution to the tournament is remembered fondly by Iraqi football fans, who cherish the memory of their nation's only World Cup appearance.

Group C

  • France:
  • Soviet Union:
  • Hungary:
  • Canada:

Group D

  • Brazil:
  • Spain:
  • Northern Ireland:
  • Algeria:

Group E

  • West Germany:
  • Denmark:
  • Uruguay:
  • Scotland:

Group F

  • Morocco:
  • England:
  • Poland:
  • Portugal:

(The remaining teams and their squads will be added here, following the same format as above.)