Argentina honors Maradona on 40th anniversary vs Austria

On the 40th anniversary of one of football's most iconic performances, Argentina's World Cup campaign in the United States was steeped in the memory of Diego Maradona. As the reigning champions prepared to face Austria in a Group J match in Dallas on Monday, June 22, 2026, fans, players, and staff paid tribute to the late legend.

The date marked exactly four decades since Maradona's defining display in Argentina's 2-1 quarterfinal victory over England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. In that match, he scored both the controversial "Hand of God" goal and the sublime "Goal of the Century," a mesmerizing solo run past multiple English defenders. The anniversary is commemorated in Argentina as the "Day of the Argentine Footballer."

The tributes were evident throughout the Argentine camp. In Kansas City, the team's tournament base, giant banners featuring Maradona's image were displayed during fan gatherings in the opening week. The devotion traveled with supporters to Texas, where chants honoring Maradona were heard ahead of the match.

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, reflected on the anniversary during a press conference. Recalling watching the 1986 game as an eight-year-old,...