Which nation hosted the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups?

Mexico hosted both the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups. The country became the first to stage the tournament twice, first in 1970 and then again 16 years later.

The 1970 tournament was the ninth World Cup and ran from 31 May to 21 June. It was the first World Cup held outside Europe and South America, and Brazil won the title after defeating Italy in the final. Mexico’s Estadio Azteca hosted the opening match and the final, as well as other important games.

Mexico returned as host in 1986 after Colombia withdrew because of economic difficulties. The tournament used 24 teams, and Argentina won the final 3–2 against West Germany at the Azteca. The same stadium therefore hosted finals in both editions, a detail that often helps distinguish Mexico’s two hosting occasions. France, Germany, and Italy each hosted a World Cup, but none of those countries hosted both the 1970 and 1986 tournaments. Mexico later became a co-host of the 2026 World Cup, making it the first nation to host or co-host the competition three times.