THE MATCH

Special Features: Opening Night | U.S. Premiere | Post-screening reception sponsored by the Embassy of Argentina on Sept. 16

[EL PARTIDO]
In 1986, just a few years after the deadly Falklands War, Argentina and England engaged in another battle, this time on the pitch of the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City during the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. The lingering tensions from the prior conflict set the scene for what became a historic — and infamous — match between two footballing giants. This is, after all, the match where Argentine legend Diego Maradona scored two goals minutes apart: his controversial “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century.” Adapted from Andrés Burgo’s book by documentarians Juan Cabral and Santiago Franco, THE MATCH is an exhilarating account of the most famous football meet-up in history, retold through rare archival footage, narration by footballers Gary Lineker and Jorge Valdano and new testimonials from other players who were on the pitch that fateful day. It is also a profound exploration of the absurdities of war and the interconnected web of actions that led to a confrontation between athletes who were seemingly stand-ins for soldiers. –Javier Chavez

Official Selection, 2026 Cannes Film Festival. DIR/SCR Juan Cabral, Santiago Franco, from the book by Andrés Burgo; PROD Flora Fernández Marengo. Argentina, 2026, color, 91 min. In Spanish and English with English subtitles. NOT RATED

Run Time: 91 Minutes

Opening Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Genre: Documentary - history

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