After 40 Years, Peter Shilton Forgives Maradona’s Handball Goal

Peter Shilton Speaks Out

According to Главком: Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton has announced that he no longer holds a grudge against Argentine legend Diego Maradona for the infamous “Hand of God” goal during the 1986 World Cup. That moment occurred in the 51st minute of the England-Argentina quarterfinal, a match Argentina won 2–1 on their way to becoming world champions. Decades later, Shilton reflects on how time has softened his feelings about one of football’s most controversial incidents.

It has been 40 years since those events. Recently, I met some Argentine footballers while filming a documentary, and they treated me very well. I think it’s probably time to put my resentment to rest. Football is a wonderful sport-it brings nations and people together.

Peter Shilton

2026 World Cup Update

At the 2026 World Cup, after the second round of group-stage matches, seven teams have already secured their spots in the Round of 16: Mexico, the United States, Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, and Colombia. Each of these sides has collected six points in their respective groups. Meanwhile, five teams have been eliminated from knockout contention: Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, and Panama.

In other notable achievements, Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player ever to score at six different World Cups. He reached this remarkable milestone by finding the net in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 tournaments.

Shilton’s comments highlight how football can transcend past grievances and serve as a unifying force. His willingness to move on underscores the importance of sportsmanship and mutual respect among players, even after highly charged moments. As the 2026 World Cup unfolds, milestones like Ronaldo’s historic run remind us how the sport connects people and creates a legacy that spans generations.

As the 2026 World Cup progresses, the competition heats up with players like Messi making headlines. His impressive performance has already placed him at the top of the scoring chart, showcasing his remarkable talent on the global stage. For a closer look at Messi's achievements and how they compare to other legendary players, check out the full details here.