Superfan Peter Robinson had the opportunity to witness England’s last game at Mexico’s Azteca stadium 40 years ago, among a crowd of 114,580 spectators enduring the scorching heat. Since then, he has attended eleven World Cups, including the ongoing 2026 edition, passionately supporting his favorite team on a remarkable journey.
Peter’s collection of photos narrates a captivating tale from a bygone era, capturing the historic match where Diego Maradona famously scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal and the ‘Goal of the Century.’ Recollecting memories from that day, Peter, a devoted Sunderland supporter at 69, shared his experiences at the Azteca stadium, where England is set to play against Mexico this Sunday.
Reflecting on the past, Peter vividly recalled the presence of tanks outside the stadium and the unique post-game experience where Mexican police offered hundreds of England fans rides back to the city in official police trucks, devoid of modern safety measures like seat belts.
At the age of 29, Peter embarked on a journey to Mexico for what he describes as his “best World Cup experience.” The match took place shortly after the Falklands War, a period marked by tensions between England and Argentina.
Hailing from Hayes, Middlesex, Peter, a retired British Airways employee, reminisced about the overwhelming support England received from Mexican fans during that historical encounter. Looking ahead to the upcoming game against Mexico, Peter anticipated a different atmosphere, recalling the presence of police, soldiers, and tanks surrounding the stadium.
During his time in Mexico, Peter witnessed England’s triumph over Paraguay and described the challenging conditions in Mexico City following an earthquake, prompting them to stay in Acapulco. Despite the adversities, Peter fondly remembers the vibrant atmosphere of the stadium and the camaraderie among fans.
Having attended eleven World Cups, Peter regards his experience in Mexico as the most cherished, particularly due to having tickets to every England match. As excitement builds for the upcoming game, Peter cautioned Three Lions supporters to brace themselves for a passionate Mexican crowd, emphasizing the fervor of local fans following recent victories.
Looking ahead to the future, Peter expressed hopes for a different outcome in the same stadium, forty years after his initial encounter with the Azteca.