Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium remains the centrepiece of that story. The report recalls Brazil’s 4-1 win over Italy in the 1970 final, when Pelé scored in the last World Cup final of his career as Brazil secured a third title.
That tournament also introduced yellow and red cards, while Adidas’ Telstar became the first official World Cup match ball. Italy’s 4-3 semi-final victory over West Germany at Azteca added another classic to a competition already packed with innovation and drama.
Sixteen years later, the same stadium hosted Diego Maradona at his most influential. Argentina’s 2-1 win over England in 1986 featured both the “Hand of God” and the solo goal later celebrated as the “Goal of the Century”. Maradona lifted the trophy in a tournament defined by his individual authority.
The 1994 World Cup in the United States created a different landmark. The report recalls Brazil’s victory over Italy on penalties, with Roberto Baggio missing the decisive kick after a tense final at the Rose Bowl.
That edition also delivered Roger Milla’s late-career scoring moment for Cameroon and carried a darker legacy after Colombian defender Andrés Escobar was killed following his return home.
Previous North American World Cups ended with South American champions: Brazil in 1970 and 1994, and Argentina in 1986. When the 2026 tournament begins, the central question will be whether a new generation can create moments to stand alongside Pelé, Maradona and Baggio.
The next storyline is already set: three host nations, a broader finals field and the weight of football history across an entire continent.