Colombia was originally chosen as hosts by FIFA in June 1974 . However , the Colombian authorities eventually declared on 5 November 1982 that they could not afford to host the World Cup under the terms that FIFA demanded because of economic concerns . Mexico was selected on 20 May 1983 as the replacement hosts , beating the bids of Canada and the United States ( who eventually hosted the 1994 World Cup ) , and thereby became the first nation to host two World Cups . This second World Cup in Mexico came 16 years after the first one in 1970 . A severe earthquake in September 1985 , eight months before the tournament , cast doubt over Mexico 's ability to organize the event , but the stadia were not affected and it was decided to go ahead with the preparations
severe earthquake
1985 Mexico City earthquake
1986 FIFA World Cup