<P> The 1986 FIFA World Cup , the 13th FIFA World Cup , was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June 1986 . The tournament was the second to feature a 24 - team format . With European nations not allowed to host after the previous World Cup in Spain , Colombia had been originally chosen to host the competition by FIFA but , largely due to economic reasons , was not able to do so and officially resigned in 1982 . Mexico was selected as the new host in May 1983 . This was the third FIFA World Cup tournament in succession that was hosted by a Spanish - speaking country , after Argentina 1978 , and Spain 1982 . </P>
<P> The 1986 FIFA World Cup , the 13th FIFA World Cup , was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June 1986 . The tournament was the second to feature a 24 - team format . With European nations not allowed to host after the previous World Cup in Spain , Colombia had been originally chosen to host the competition by FIFA but , largely due to economic reasons , was not able to do so and officially resigned in 1982 . Mexico was selected as the new host in May 1983 . This was the third FIFA World Cup tournament in succession that was hosted by a Spanish - speaking country , after Argentina 1978 , and Spain 1982 . </P>
who was supposed to host the 1986 world cup
who was supposed to host the 1986 world cup
Colombia
Colombia