Couple Reunites At Azteca 40 Years After Falling In Love At 1986 World Cup

A couple whose love story began during one of the most iconic matches in FIFA World Cup history has returned to Mexico’s Azteca Stadium 40 years later to relive the moment that changed their lives forever.

According to a post by CNN on its Instagram post, Oliver Craxton and Sofia Larrinua first met on June 22, 1986, during the World Cup quarter-final between England and Argentina, the match forever remembered for Diego Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal.

Although England suffered a painful defeat, Oliver says the day remains unforgettable for a very different reason.

“To be there in the Azteca during the ‘Hand of God’ match, although England lost, they lost but we met each other,” he recalled.

On June 22, 2026—exactly 40 years after their first meeting—the couple returned to the Azteca Stadium, posing for photographs outside the iconic venue where their romance began.

For Sofia and Oliver, watching another England match together at the historic stadium was an emotional full-circle moment.

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According to CNN Travel, Oliver vividly remembers walking into the Azteca Stadium on that June afternoon in 1986 and being overwhelmed by the electric atmosphere, with thousands of England supporters and Argentine fans filling the stands.

“It was a fantastic, party-like atmosphere,” Oliver said.

The 1986 quarter-final remains one of football’s most talked-about matches, with Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and his stunning solo effort securing a 2-1 victory for Argentina.

While millions remember the match for its footballing drama, Oliver and Sofia remember it as the day they found each other.

Four decades later, the couple’s return to the Azteca serves as a reminder that beyond the goals, controversy and trophies, the World Cup can also create life-changing moments that extend far beyond the pitch.