​Diego Maradona ‘Hand of God’ goal, explained: Revisiting Argentina’s 1986 World Cup controversy that still haunts England originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Diego Maradona is a legend of Argentine soccer and the sport in general, but his most iconic World Cup moment should never have happened, according to the rules.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMaradona’s “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup lives in soccer lore in part because it was explicitly illegal, though he would score another goal in the match to set the stage for Argentina’s run to the title.Forty years later, as Argentina and England face off on the world stage again, the English squad is hoping fortune swings back their way.Here’s a complete look back at Maradona’s iconic “Hand of God” goal.MORE:Complete England vs. Argentina historyMaradona scored the goal now known as the “Hand of God” against England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup. The goal received its name because Maradona last touched the ball with his fist, which should have made the goal illegal.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMaradona was contesting the ball alongside England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who was eight inches taller. Maradona would have also been offside, but the ball last went off an English player rather than a teammate. Maradona made contact before Shilton could, leaving a wide-open net for Argentina to take a 1-0 lead early in the second half.Players aren’t able to touch the ball with their hands or arms, but officials didn’t see the moment from the right angle and didn’t realize Maradona touched the ball with his fist before it went into the net.After the game, when asked about the possible missed handball, Maradona described the play as such:”[It was] a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE:England’s ‘It’s coming home’ meaning, explainedHere’s the full sequence before and after Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, including Maradona’s celebration and England’s frustration with the non-call.The broadcast video gives a glimpse into what the officials saw — or didn’t see — as it isn’t clear from behind Maradona that his hand touches the ball first.The “Hand of God” goal came during the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup, which was won by Argentina. England’s lone World Cup win came in 1966, so the defeat extended a drought that still lingers to this day.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementArgentina and England met again in the World Cup in 1998, but their 2026 semifinal meeting could be the opportunity England has long waited for to get back into the final and potentially end a 60-year drought.In an era that preceded VAR and instant replay, officials simply didn’t have the right angle and didn’t see that Maradona’s fist touched the ball.English players vehemently protested the goal, prompting the referee to consult with ano