Will the world see a reincarnation of Diego Maradona at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Exactly 40 years ago, the incomparable genius Diego Maradona redefined football greatness as he led Argentina to its second triumph in the FIFA World Cup, in 1986. It was the vision and drive of the man who is often referred to as the ‘God of Football’ that enabled his team to reach the pinnacle of glory.

In that tournament he played all the roles himself. He was the hero (for his ‘Goal of the Century’ against England), villain (for his fraudulent ‘Hand of God’ goal in the same match), director and script writer (because manager Carlos Bilardo gave him a free hand) and he was also a supporting actor. Because in the grand final against Germany at the magnificent Azteca stadium in front of a crowd of 114,600 spectators, he confused the rivals by playing a supporting role from the rear ranks. Argentina defeated West Germany, led by the legendary Karl Heinz Rummenigge, 3-2 in a thrill packed final.

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But to be fair to Argentina, it also had a superb ensemble star cast to back up Maradona. There were the superbly gifted Jorge Burruchaga and Jorge Valdano in the front line. Burruchaga was a versatile player. He could play as an attacking midfielder or the second striker. He could almost smell a goal even before it came his way. He had that knack of spotting an opening or even creating one.

Jorge Valdano was an out and out striker. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and possessing quick reflexes, he was a goal getter in the classic mold like Mario Kempes, his illustrious predecessor who had taken Argentina to its maiden Cup victory in 1978.

These players would feature in Argentina all time XI

In the back there were Oscar Ruggeri and Jose Luis Brown – two defenders that any team in the world would be proud to have in its ranks. If anyone were to pick an Argentine all-time eleven, the names of Burruchaga, Valdano, Rugeri and Brown would definitely be there alongside Maradona. That is how good these players were.

Two years prior to lifting the World Cup, the Argentine team, then in its formative stage, had come to India to take part in the Nehru Cup International football tournament. It was held in Calcutta (now Kolkata) from January 11 to 27, 1984. The Argentina team was coached by Carlos Bilardo, the man who later guided Argentina to the 1986 FIFA World Cup title.

India played Argentina at Eden Gardens and lost narrowly by a solitary goal scored by Ricardo Gareca, who later became a famous international coach.

Hyderabad footballers who played against Argentina

Two Hyderabad players had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of playing against the star-studded Argentine team. They were Victor Amalraj and Shabbir Ali. Speaking to Khel Khiladis.com, Amalraj said that it was a learning experience for most Indian players. The ball control and passing skills of the South American giants was unmatchable. “But the Indians refused to be overawed by their famed rivals and put up a good display. We fought to the end and we were unlucky to lose by just that single goal,” said Amalraj.

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“Some of the prominent Argentina footballers who participated in the 1984 Nehru Cup were: Nery Pumpido (Goalkeeper), Oscar Garre, Hector Cuper, Ricardo Giusti, Jorge Burruchaga, Ricardo Gareca, Jose Ponce, Ruben Dario Insua, Nestor Clausen, Carlos Arregui, Jorge Domínguez, Jorge Rinaldi, Ruben Aguero, Julian Camino, Victor Rogelio Ramos, Raul Aguero and Alberto Marcico,” said Amalraj.

Former India players Shabbir Ali and Victor Amalraj

“An interesting fact is that several of these players, including goalkeeper Pumpido, Garre, Giusti and Burruchaga, later became members of Argentina’s 1986 FIFA World Cup-winning squad led by Diego Maradona. But Maradona himself did not participate in the 1984 Nehru Cup in Kolkata. For the India vs Argentina match, Argentina’s starting XI was: Pumpido, Garre, Cuper, Ruben Aguero, Camino, Ponce, Giusti, Burruchaga, Domínguez, Rinaldi and Gareca. Shabbir Ali bhai played in that memorable match for India alongside Indian stalwarts such as Prasanta Banerjee, Bidesh Bose, Manoranjan Bhattacharya and myself,” recalled Amal.

Maradona’s level of dominance never seen before

Two years after playing in the Nehru Cup International tournament in India, the rampaging Argentinians conquered the world. Supported by that talented cast, Maradona dominated the tournament in a manner that no other footballer has ever done, before or after 1986. At 25 years of age, Maradona was in the form of his life. He scored five goals and provided five assists during the tournament. He could dribble past entire defenses, create chances from nothing, and inspire his teammates with his confidence.

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His performances against England and Belgium remain among the greatest individual displays in World Cup history.

Now as the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup looms up on the horizon, the question in the minds of many football lovers is: Will the world see another Maradona?

France’s Kylian Mbappe could become another Maradona

The answer lies in the hands of destiny but there are a few names that must be taken into serious consideration. The foremost and most obvious name is that of Kylian Mbappe of France. He was an inspiring sight in the previous edition of the World Cup when he had led a late fight back by France against Argentina and almost pulled off a remarkable win. By scoring a hat-trick in that epic battle, Mbappe became the second player to do so in a World Cup final after Geoff Hurst of England in 1966.

Today Mbappe is widely considered the most lethal forward in world football, Mbappe’s speed and accurate finishing ability make him the standout favorite to lead the tournament in scoring. He will be wearing the captain’s armband for France which is among the favourites to win the trophy this time.

Norway’s Blond Bomber Erling Haaland is unstoppable

Then there is the mercurial Norwegian Erling Haaland. The Norwegian goal scoring machine will be a focal point, bringing his unmatched physical dominance and clinical striking ability to the global stage. Considered one of the best players in the world, and the greatest Norwegian player ever, he is known for his speed, strength, positioning, and finishing inside the box. Despite his height of 6 feet 2 inches, his ability to maneuver in tight situations and his lightning fast reflexes make him one of the most dangerous forwards in international football at present.

Vinicius junior brings back memories of Brazil’s legend Garrincha

Brazil has not done as well as expected till now but in Vinicius junior it has a player of exceptional class. The dynamic winger brings back memories of the legendary Brazilian Garrincha. Vinivius will serve as the creative and explosive heartbeat of the Brazilian attack.  His pace, dribbling ability and his knack of throwing defenders off balance with feints and deceptive movements have fetched him numerous goals. Athough he is usually deployed on the left flank, he is capable of playing anywhere along the front line.

Bellingham is England’s most promising young lion

Then there is Jude Bellingham of England.  After establishing himself as a world-class midfielder at the club level, he is expected to pull the strings for the English squad when the 2026 World Cup gets underway. Jude and Saka will make the England attack very hot for most defences. Jude has been described by former Germany skipper Phillip Lahm as a complete midfielder who can “dribble, pass, shoot and is a fearless player in the face of heavy tackles.” Yet others have compared him to the legendary Zinedine Zidane and that is high praise indeed.

Lamine Yamal. Pic: FC Barcelona

Spain’s teenage wonder Yamal is the future of world football

Then finally there is the rising young star of international football – Lamine Yamal of Spain. He is a product of the famous La Masia football academy of Barcelona. Many of Spain’s most famous players and also the one-and-only Lionel Messi polished their skills at this academy. Yamal is only 18 years old but already the experts consider him to be a successor to the greatest names in football. Yamal and his close friend Nico Williams (23) are a sight to behold whenever Spain plays. The enthusiasm and energy of these two youths are like a breath of fresh air on the football fields of the world.

So, any of these players are capable of replicating the feat of Diego Maradona. The greatest football show on planet earth will begin on June 11. Will we see the beautiful game (Jogo Bonito as Pele had called it) take us to sublime heights? Will we see another Diego Maradona in action soon? We will not have to wait long. Millions, perhaps even billions of football fans across the world are waiting with bated breath. A football feast is about to be served soon and the dining table is all set.