The 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico was almost cancelled after a devastating earthquake struck Mexico City in September 1985, killing at least 5,000 people and leaving 30,000 homeless, according to contemporary Guardian reports. The disaster flattened much of the capital, sparking calls to cancel or relocate the tournament.
Earthquake Devastation and Disputed Death Toll
The earthquake, which hit on 19 September 1985, measured 8.1 magnitude and caused widespread destruction. The death toll remains disputed, with some estimates reaching 40,000, as reported by the Guardian. A second tremor on 20 September hampered rescue efforts by 50,000 troops, police, and firemen struggling with dwindling supplies of water and medicine. About 250 buildings, mostly in the city centre, collapsed, and 50 more were in imminent danger. At least three hospitals were seriously damaged or destroyed, trapping doctors and patients under wreckage. Several churches caved in minutes before morning mass.
Survivors Describe 'Mighty Blow from Hell'
Survivors described the earthquake as “a mighty blow from hell,” according to the Guardian’s foreign staff. Within three minutes, the city centre resembled a war zone. One volunteer rescue worker said, “It’s like a big monster, like being bombed or in a war.” Flavio Bocuccia, 21, from Rome, recounted saving his six-year-old brother from falling out of a hotel window: “I caught Alexandro as he lurched out of the hotel window.”
FIFA and Mexico Decide to Proceed
Despite the devastation, FIFA ruled out finding a new host. A FIFA spokesman said on 21 September 1985: “No immediate emergency measures regarding the World Cup preparations are called for.” None of the 12 designated stadiums, including the Estadio Azteca, were damaged. Mexico had stepped in as hosts in 1983 after Colombia withdrew for economic and security reasons.
World Cup Opening Marred by Public Anger
On 3 June 1986, President Miguel de la Madrid was loudly booed during the opening ceremony at Azteca stadium before 100,000 spectators. The crowd’s anger targeted the mayor, Ramon Aguirre, blamed for the government’s failure to address earthquake damage, and Guillermo Canedo, head of World Cup organisers, who spoke of the event symbolising the country’s rise from the ruins. Many spectators, paying high prices, were members of the disenchanted middle classes. The president ordered a discreet inquiry into improving his government’s popularity.
