All language subtitles for Mexico 86 2026_track5_[eng]

SOME OF THESE THINGS DID HAPPEN...

["Cielito lindo" playing]

[man] In 1986, Mexico
was experiencing an economic crisis,

high unemployment,
public disillusionment with politicians,

and a shitload of other problems.

But for a month that year,

my country felt
like the center of the universe.

[energetic music playing]

[crowd cheering]

[whistle blows]

[announcer 1] And there he goes!

Undoubtedly, the best play
of the World Cup.

[announcer 2 exclaims]

- Goal!
- [crowd roars]

[man] And that's because
the greatest World Cup

in history took place there.

Mexico '86 was a cultural phenomenon,
an unparalleled celebration.

After that, football
around the world changed forever.

Fan bases multiplied,

spectacles reached new heights,
and the business only grew stronger.

And do you know who turned
the World Cup into what it became?

Hmm? I did.

But you don't know me, do you?

[scoffs] That's 'cause no one's
told you the real story.

- They didn't cut you off, did they?
- No, c'mon. Don't insult me, man.

You and I exchanging information
is one thing.

I'm cool with that.

MEXICO CITY, 1983

But claiming the game's fucking rigged?
That's a different story. For fuck's sake.

The game's sacred to me, man.

That field is sacred.
11 against 11, it's all that matters.

Hit record.

[softly] Press it, press it, press it.

Right. Uh, the use of handbooks,
that's where the...

We'll keep going in a second.
Sir, hi. What's going on?

José Ramón, I see
the gossip mill's in full swing.

Should I get some popcorn?

No, uh, we're in an interview

about the handbooks
we're implementing today.

Yeah, uh, listen, buddy,
don't waste your money

on whatever crap he's feeding you.

Your show's
on a pretty tight budget anyway, isn't it?

You trying to make me work overtime?
What's going on here?

Ah, yeah, I knew it.
It's the data charts, right? Yeah.

I told you, De la Torre.

Charts make people
not wanna read anything.

Well, that's the point, Don Gustavo--

And if they don't read anything,

how will they know
the details of the evaluation?

By looking at the data charts--

Who do you think even bothers
reading this shit, De la Torre?

No one. It's a formality.
Rewrite it, okay?

And don't argue with me.

[quirky music playing]

[De la Torre huffs]

[De la Torre sniffles, exhales]

Hello. Good afternoon.

Afternoon, ma'am.

Your husband home?

No.

I'm sorry. And you are?

I'm Hugo Sánchez.

Sorry, I didn't, um, recognize you.

Have you gained a few pounds? Hm.

[chuckles softly]

You see, uh...

I may have been eating
a little too well in Madrid.

[sighs]

What brings you here?

Right now?

I'm here to score a goal.

The game's already started,
so why don't you hurry up already?

- [rhythmic music playing]
- [both moaning]

[sighs] Let's get this off you.

There we go. Come here. Let's play.

Okay, big guy.

- So, you gonna score?
- Uh-huh.

- Huh?
- [both moan]

Huh? [panting]

Ah, no!

I swear, I'm gonna get rid of this thing.

Yeah? Well I'd rather get rid of you
than my grandma's lamp.

- Hey...
- Hey.

I love you. Let me see.

[rhythmic music cuts out]

- Hey, hon?
- Yeah? [grunts]

Do you wanna go to Club Med?

Jeez, did they cancel on you again?

[scoffs] As you can see,

some people don't give
two shits about losing their money.

[sighs] Which one?

- [toilet flushes]
- The one in Playa Blanca?

[sighs] Yeah.

Yeah, sure. I'll go.

When is it?

In two weeks.

Jesus Christ, Susana.

Weren't you gonna fix that leak?

What? I did! I took care of it.

A bucket? Seriously?

- Didn't think I was that clever, did ya?
- [chuckles]

All right, so?

Should I confirm or not?

I mean, yeah. It sounds fun.

Little ocean air.

- A little sun.
- [De la Torre] With you.

- Open bar.
- Mm.

- My congas.
- Your congas, yuck...

My coconut oil,
which you love rubbing all over me.

[softly] Your coconut oil...

- You know what?
- What?

I'm gonna stay a little longer.

- Are you crazy?
- Mm-hmm.

Come on.

- What? What's wrong?
- Get outta here.

- Come on.
- Hey, the match is over, Hugo.

- Get out.
- And the penalties?

You never win on penalties. Go already.

- [laughs] You... you asshole.
- Hey. Get outta here.

[intriguing music playing]

[intriguing music ends]

[indistinct chatter on TV]

Can you believe that bastard Álvarez?

He's making me redo
all of the damn quarterly reports.

[woman] Hm.

Three whole weeks of collecting data
for those charts,

and that jerk says
to get rid of everything.

[scoffs]

If it were up to that moron,
we'd still be living in 1970.

Are you really still hung up
on the charts?

What?

You're really putting your life
on the line, aren't you, Martín?

It's very simple. If your boss
doesn't like them, don't do the charts.

If you're so fed up
with the way they treat you,

why don't you freakin' quit FEMEXFUT?

I was just telling you how I felt.

Okay well, don't tell me, Martín.

Don't tell me 'cause I'm not interested,
and I'm really fucking tired.

I had a day from hell too,
and I'm not dumping it all on you, am I?

Aw, you poor thing.

I'm sure you've had a horrible day.

Do you know how many years I've had
to listen to your fucking complaining?

Putting on a smile.

- "Oh, my job sucks. It's too much."
- Hey, hey, hey, hey!

They fired the whole damn accounts
and media team on us,

and we had to absorb
their entire workload.

I know, Beatriz! I know that!

I've only heard you whine
about it 500,000 fucking times

in case you've forgotten.

And I listen to you
instead of trying to wear you out.

You wear me out the second
your stupid face walks in the apartment.

[huffs]

[sighs] I'm going to bed.
I have a meeting early in the morning.

[De la Torre] Mediocre at home.
Mediocre at work.

[door slams]

But something was
about to happen in Colombia

that would change my life forever.

[reporter] The surge of violence
continues in Bogotá.

Two attacks attributed to militia groups
were reported today,

leaving the country paralyzed.

In response to attacks,
President Belisario Betancur

released a statement.

I am sorry to announce
that the football World Cup of 1986

will no longer take place in Colombia.

COLOMBIA PULLS OUT OF WORLD CUP

So the rumors about Colombia
have been confirmed.

They won't be hosting.

Right. What did I tell you?

Yeah, I know we had
all the paperwork ready to send to Bogotá,

but, hey, that's life.

Am I right?

So who's hosting now?

Well it's gotta be someone
on this side of the pond.

Who, then? The Americans?

They've thrown their hat in the ring,
but you know who else wants in?

Who, sir?

[chuckles] We do! The Mexicans.

Can you believe that Cañedo?
He called the press and made it official.

We're going to Switzerland to claim
the 1986 World Cup.

Well, that's good news, right?

Are you aware of how many countries
have hosted the World Cup twice?

- All these years?
- [man] None.

That's right. You know. He knows.

The answer is none.

And do you know how ridiculous it is

to go to FIFA to fight
for a World Cup that isn't ours?

Those bozos, Cañedo and Azcárraga

think that if we throw enough money
at FIFA they're gonna hand us the Cup.

Nope. Fucking waste of time.

[scoffs]

But anyway, I'm off to Switzerland.

On vacation, of course.

I'll bring you guys back some chocolate.

[indistinct chatter]

[woman] Hey, put on the soap instead.

[Martín ] Chava. Chava! Ch--

[man 1] Put on the game. It's starting.

[Martín scoffs]

- Hey, buddy. Buddy.
- [man 2] What's up?

That woman over there
just asked Chava to play her soap opera.

Are you fucking kidding me?

Put the game on.
Second half's about to start.

But the soap opera's already on.

What... What is this bar?

What is this? Are we not in a sports bar?

Yes. We are--

- What?
- But...

But what, man?
What? Should I tell him? Should I?

- 'Cause I will.
No, no, no, no. Martín, Martín.

We'll put the game on. Just relax.

"Relax". Give me a break.

It's a sports bar.

[scoffs]

Our national team is playing!

Our team!

This is a sports bar.

Why don't you go home and watch, then? Hm?

This is my home, lady.

Right here. This is my house.
You're sitting in my home.

I've been coming to this
bar for 20 years. I'm sorry, sir.

That doesn't mean we have
to watch what you want.

Nobody watches games here. I'm sorry.

So what's the deal?
We're gonna watch the soap opera, guys?

In case nobody told you,
we're watching telenovelas.

José Ramón, how much information
have I leaked to you, you son of a bitch?

- You owe me.
- Leaking isn't the same as selling.

And I already know Mexico's going
after the World Cup, so save it, man.

No, you don't get it,
this is a fucking bombshell.

I wouldn't be calling you
if it wasn't, okay?

...Look, I'm only doing this
out of respect for our friendship.

Mutual respect, you hear me?

That's why I called you.
'Cause this story is gold.

You know what? You know what?

Just drop it, okay?

I'm calling Juan Dosal, you prick.
He's giving me a spot on Sunday.

Okay. You're going over
to the competition, motherfucker?

Well, what choice do I have, man?

Do you think I want to do that?
I gotta wait til Sunday.

I got no choice
if you're gonna treat me like crap.

Come on.

How many years have we known
each other, José Ramón?

How many years?

All right, fine.
I'll give you five minutes.

- Come see me. Right now.
- Ah. Perfect.

I'll be right there.

- ["Vamos a la playa" playing]
- [mumbles]

[radio clicks off]

Where are you going?

I'm sitting down for an exclusive
with José Ramón Fernández.

[chuckles] Yeah, okay, sure.

[keys jangle]

Wait. You're taking the car?

I've got aerobics.

[door closes]

- [sighs]
- [energetic '80s pop resumes]

[knocking on door]

['80s pop cuts out]

- Hi.
- Why are you here?

- Today's not Thursday.
- No.

- Are you going out?
- Yeah.

So, I wanted to invite...

Wow, what a pretty skirt.

- Thanks.
- You've never worn red lipstick before.

It looks pretty.

I wanted to invite you...

They're gonna interview me
on television right now.

Well, in two hours.

- Oh, no wonder you look so dapper.
- Have you been to a TV studio before?

Hey, where you going?

I have a dinner.

So, uh, it's not a work dinner,
I'm assuming?

Your friends are gonna be there, or...?
Going dancing after or what?

What's happening, Martín?
Are you throwing a tantrum right now?

No, I was just...
I thought you were with your wife tonight.

[scoffs]

[sighs] Hi.

- I'm sorry I kept you waiting.
- You look beautiful.

You're going to dinner with...
with this gentleman?

Yes, his name is Oscar.

- Let's go to Quetzal.
- [sighs]

I... I'm going to an interview.

I mentioned that, right?
With José Ramón Fernández.

Oh, congrats, neighbor.
José Ramón is a... He's a journalist.

Martín, did you take
my leg warmers out of the car?

- Yeah.
- I told you not to do that, Martín.

- Good evening.
- Good evening. This is your wife, right?

I'm Susana. I live in unit six.
Your husband, um...

Uh... Martín, right?
He was giving me his plumber's number.

You know? Because of the... the leaks.

- Ah, you're the one with the leaks.
- [Susana] Yes.

[Beatriz] That plumber's a thief.
Isn't he?

Yeah. Yeah.

Right, okay. Well, shall we?

- Let's go.
- Thanks so much, neighbor.

- And nice to meet you, neighbor.
- Miguel, good luck with that interview.

- Where'd you leave them?
- [Martín] Hmm?

My legwarmers, where are they?
It's freezing outside.

On the dresser.

I told you not to touch my things, Martín.
I'm so late.

[Martín clears throat loudly, sighs]

[news fanfare plays]

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to the wide world of sport.

Tonight, we bring you an exclusive report.

Joining us in the studio,
Martín de la Torre,

one of the key men at FEMEXFUT.

Martín, we know Mexico
has put forward its bid

to host the 1986 World Cup.

The United States appears
to be the strongest competition.

How does the federation plan
to approach FIFA?

Well that's actually the problem.
We don't have a strategy.

I think it's important that
your viewers know the truth about it.

And the truth is that, unfortunately,
FEMEXFUT has shown little interest

in taking on the challenge of bringing
the Cup to Mexico, no easy task.

And what is that, specifically?

Their disinterest.
Their lack of commitment.

There is a complete distrust
in the capabilities of these officials

like Emilio Azcárraga.

Let's call it what it is.

But what's really disappointing
is the people's distrust

in our own country's capabilities.

But beyond your personal considerations,

it is a fact that the federation
has neglected Mexican football for years.

You couldn't have said it better.

And that... that comes from the top.

The man in charge.

You mean the president of FEMEXFUT,
Gustavo Álvarez?

Listen, this is a historic moment.

Huh? FIFA has its sights set on México.

But first, we have to get
rid of people like Mr. Álvarez

and his entourage of mediocre officials

who have single handedly
run football into the ground.

[chuckles] Are you running for office?

[sighs] That's a great question.

No, no I'm not. Who am I to do that?

No, I'm an average guy,
an average guy with a big heart

who's dedicated his life to football.

I wanna work for our country of Mexico
and wherever Mexico may need me.

Well, you heard him.

Martín de la Torre
publicly denounces his boss

at FEMEX, the Mexican Football Federation.

Quite the accusations, Martín.

We'll be back in just a moment.

I told you to resign.

Not to sacrifice yourself
on national television Martín.

I'm finally taking
control of my career. That's all.

What career? What career, exactly?

Who's gonna pay you a salary?
You're a clerk not a CPA.

I have a degree in accounting, okay?
I've got a career.

Going from one job you hate
to another isn't having a career.

You know, you have a problem, Susana.

- A serious one.
- Susana?

- You've got no faith in me.
- [phone rings]

Sometimes I think you think I'm stupid.

Well, maybe it's because you can't
stop doing stupid things.

[huffs]

- Hello? Uh...
- [indistinct chatter on phone]

- Yeah, he lives here. Who is this?
- [indistinct chatter]

Uh, I... I'm sorry. Who?

Yeah. Just a second.

It's the secretary of Emilio Azcárraga.

[sighs]

[tense, whimsical music rises]

- Seriously?
- I told you you screwed up.

[inhales sharply]

Hello?

[intriguing, rhythmic music playing]

[metal scratching]

[exhales deeply]

[woman] Mr. De la Torre?

Don Emilio, thank you for having me.

Seems to me like you're trying
to sabotage your boss's job.

So let's hear it.

I want you to tell me
why I should give it to you instead.

Well speak up. What's the matter?

[hesitates] Well, it's no secret that
FEMEXFUT is in full decline, Don Emilio.

The data speaks for itself.

We didn't qualify for the 1974 World Cup.
Then in '78, we came in last, right?

We didn't qualify again in '82.

I don't remember asking you for a report
on the national team's shit situation.

Right, no, of course not.

Listen, I like ballsy people,
you understand?

And you proved it,
going on that dumbass show

and airing your boss's dirty laundry.

I'm also open to new ideas,
so just let me just skip to it

and ask you.

What's your idea?

So imagine that Mexican football is yours.

It is mine. What do you mean, imagine?

[laughs]

Loyalty.

That's what I've come here to offer.

You... you always say that you're a soldier
of the revolutionary party.

So, I'm here
to offer myself as your soldier.

I'm gonna bust my ass
to bring the World Cup to Mexico.

- Loyalty?
- Mm-hmm.

That's your idea?

Well, fuck me.

I think loyalty is the bare minimum,
to be honest.

Ask around, see how the ones
who aren't loyal to me end up.

If loyalty is all you have to offer,
then you're in the wrong place.

Sorry, kid. Door's over there.

Get out of here!

Do you know
how many Latin Americans presidents

have run FIFA, Don Emilio?

- One. One. Havelange.
- That's it. Precisely.

And you know how he got there?

Are you quizzing me, you little shit?

Havelange got there
by crushing anyone in his way.

Not only that.

You know what put him on the map?
Mexico 1970.

And Brazil becoming world champion.

That is what put him on the map
and sat him in that chair.

That's what I want, Don Emilio.

I wanna be president of FIFA.

You put me in charge of FEMEXFUT,

and I will make sure
the World Cup comes to Mexico.

And listen, who knows?

Playing at home might inspire our guys
enough to win that cup for us.

[scoffs] Calm down, man.

Mexico wouldn't win a fucking World Cup
even if it were 11 against 3.

Right. Sorry. Got a little too excited.

But what's never happened before...

what's never happened
is a country hosting the World Cup twice.

That'll put us on the goddamn map.

Top-notch transmission,
via your satellite.

That's gonna put us on the map.

A private company hosting
the World Cup, for the first time ever.

We're gonna make history, Don Emilio.

And I want to be next to you
when that happens.

Fortunately for you,
it costs nothing to dream. [chuckles]

You want Havelange's job
for the glory, don't you? Huh?

For the money.

So people on the street stop
and ask you for a picture.

I am surrounded by people like you.

Guys like you want love and attention.

So hungry for validation.

Yeah. Guess you should invest
in me, right?

Sir, I'm ready.

In your situation here,
you kind of owe it to us.

With all due respect.

[sighs]

Well, you really do got some balls.

Listen, if I put you
in charge of FEMEXFUT,

send you to Switzerland,
and you come back empty-handed,

I will personally make sure
that every door in this country

stays closed to you forever.

In other words, your life will basically
become a nightmare from then on.

- Understood.
- Pfft.

Fuck yes. I'm in. Yes, I'm in, Don Emilio.

Great. Get to work.

- [sighs]
- ["Quartz" playing]

I won't let you down, Don Emilio. Huh?

So you got Azcárraga to fire me,
didn't you, asshole?

Congratulations.

What goes around comes around.

No. No, no, no, no.
See, I'm actually gonna work, you moron.

[phone ringing]

You don't deserve that badge.

Rot in hell.

[Martín] Good afternoon!

We're gonna restore dignity
to this federation.

Afternoon, Mayrita.

Pay attention, everyone!

That, that is how you wear a badge.

Huh? Good job, Mayrita.

Very good.

[energetic '70s rock continues]

Hello, Martín.

[scoffs]

Don... Don Guillermo Cañedo, goddamn.

[sighs] Uh, sorry its so messy,
Don Guillermo.

It's a pleasure.

I see they've offered you coffee.

- Yeah. Yeah, thanks.
- [sighs]

I am so sorry. I...

You see, Gustavo,
he didn't take the news very well.

I hope the asshole didn't take
the stapler too, right?

- Did you notice your chair's still here?
- Yeah.

Yeah, we... we kept it.

- Have a seat, Martín.
- Yes.

I don't know if you remember, sir,
you and I,

we met at the Christmas toast years ago.

1979 I was able to shake your hand.

Mm-hm. Emilio wants me
to go with you to Switzerland.

FIFA wants us to go
and pitch ourselves this week.

Well, what an honor.

Traveling together.

We'll have a blast in Switzerland.

I actually have a few proposals
for the presentation,

but don't worry,
we can go over that later.

Yeah, yeah. I know how it works, Martín.

I brought a World Cup to Mexico.

Follow my lead.

That second one?
That second cup is in the bag, kid.

Whatever you say, sir.
What you say goes. I'll follow you.

Great. Start preparing, then.

Since this'll be your official debut
with FIFA, bring your missus, all right?

Let them see you're a respectable man.

I'll see you soon.

[Martín sighs]

[quirky, rhythmic music playing]

[both moaning]

Mm, Martín!

- What's going on?
- Come with me to Switzerland.

- Ah. I'm in the middle of a call.
- It'll be quick. Promise.

I've just been named
president of FEMEXFUT.

[laughs] It's unbelievable.

They're flying me to Switzerland
to bring the World Cup here.

And that means you are coming with me.

- [laughs]
- [hushed] You're drunk.

- No.
- And I am on the phone.

- [laughs] Okay, I am a little drunk.
- No.

- This is a work call, Martín.
- No.

- Please. This'll be quick.
- Give me a second.

Listen, this
is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

You gotta go for it!

This isn't some boring
urologist convention, darling.

I'm talking about FIFA.

And our mission is to secure
next year's World Cup, baby!

- México! México! México!
- [Susana] I'm sorry.

- Let me call you right back, okay?
- [sighs]

They want me to bring my wife.

So take her.

- Impossible.
- Why?

'Cause just now,
I just asked for a divorce.

Oh shit, you're drunker
than I thought you were.

It was one drink, I swear.

One drink, nothing more.

I've waited my whole goddamn life
for this moment.

Don't leave me hanging.

I need you there.
I need you close. Just you and I.

All right. Yeah. Keep me close.
You can make sure that isn't someone else.

What?

You scratched Óscar's car.

- Óscar? Who's Óscar?
- From yesterday.

- Uh...
- The guy I went dancing with.

- The guy? Oh, the kid.
- Yeah, you keyed his car.

- No, I don't remember.
- Martín, come on.

No! I... I'm not
that kind of person, Susana.

You keyed his car.

Listen, you can date whoever you want.

- [scoffs]
- Yeah, really.

- Really?
- Sure, I'm super liberal.

And modern.

You've never even done
doggy style before.

I'll never tell you a secret again,
you asshole.

Seriously? What am I,
the love of your life or something?

Come on. Listen to what you're saying.

- You're the love of my life, Susana.
- ["Copacabana" playing]

- You are the love of my life.
- [chuckles]

You are the love of...
You want me to tell the world?

- You are the love of my life!
- Martín! Shh! Martín, calm down!

Susana!

[reproter] The Mexican delegation lands
in Zurich today,

making its way to the FIFA headquarters.

There, they'll face
the United States delegation,

led by Jackie Ross,
daughter of billionaire Steve Ross,

who has brought along
some heavy hitters like Pelé

and the controversial Henry Kissinger.

The Americans
are pulling out all the stops.

And in three days' time,
the decision will be made,

who hosts the 1986 World Cup?

FIFA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, 1983

João.

- Guillermo, back from retirement, I see.
- It's good to see you.

[Martín] João Havelange.

I finally met the owner of the World Cup.

- The new president of FEMEXFUT.
- It's a pleasure, sir.

- [Martín] And then, the King.
- How you doing?

[Martín] Pelé is much shorter
in person than he looks on TV.

His boss, the American lady
was putting on her best manners for show.

I love Mexico.

I was there with my dad back in 1970
for the Cup, of course.

What a beautiful World Cup.

It's a shame you didn't qualify
for that World Cup.

Or should I say, eight.
You didn't qualify for eight World Cups.

Your country was not
in the Cup eight times.

That's why I'm here, Mr. De la Torre.

[Martín] That's right, Henry Kissinger.

The last World Cup
we went to was in 1950, in Brazil.

It's so ironic, isn't it?

I mean, the only goal you guys ever scored
in a World Cup

was scored by a Haitian. [laughs]

One - zero. Against England,
and scored by Joe Gaetjens.

Joe Maca.

It was Gaetjens.

- No. Maca.
- Gaetjens minute 38, I'm sure.

I gotta check that.

Gotta check that.

It's nice to meet you, Mr. De la Torre.

Pleasure.

"Pleasure"

Stuck-up American bitch.

[Martín] We weren't there to party.

So we immediately started
rallying for votes.

Congratulations, Rogelio.

You've done a stupendous job
at the CONCACAF.

He sure has.

That's why your support is so important,
so the Cup is held in Mexico.

Egypt has played one game
in the World Cup. One.

EGYPT

In Mexico, you can play whoever you want.

Pereira always said that the idea
of Third World countries

was invented by the Americans,
and it's true.

That's why we've always been
such good friends.

You know I love México, Guillermo.

But you also know
I don't just run CONCACAF.

I was just appointed
CFO of Central and South America.

CFO of what?

[bleeps] Coca-Cola.

I've been there for eight years.

You have to look
beyond football, gentlemen.

The Libyan armed forces in Sudan.

Presidente Mubarak
wants help to finish them.

Were you aware that Dr. Pereira went
to prison for selling expired vaccines?

I have direct orders from Atlanta
to vote for the United States.

Kissinger spoke directly with my CEO.
I'm sorry.

The United States can help.

What do you offer?

Wait, he's in jail?

Good evening.

We love Mexico, but now
it's time for someone else to host.

SWEDEN

How can you vote for gringos?

- Are you serious?
- Why?

Thought you were Russian!

- [interpreting]
- No, stop! Don't translate that!

For fuck's sake, man. Come on.

USA 12 - MEX 0

Wonderful. Wonderful.
Thanks so much. I'll stand by.

He'll call me in five minutes.

That's amazing.

So, what are you gonna tell him?

Mr. Azcárraga... No, no.

Hold on... [clears throat]

Mr. Azcárraga,
I need you to send us money, sir.

- This is urgent.
- No.

It's just that "Mr. Azcárraga..."

Don't talk to him
like he's your accountant.

[scoffs]

Look, why don't you pretend that...
that I am... [sighs]

That... that I'm him.

- That you're what?
- What do you want, Martín?

What do you wanna talk about?

One day,
and you've screwed things over already?

[scoffs] Don't fuck with me, Susana.
Come on.

Who the fuck is Susana?

Are you with a woman?

You stupid bastard.

I sent you all the way to Switzerland
so you could focus. [scoffs]

- I am so sorry, sir.
- [mockingly] "I'm so sorry."

What, "I'm so sorry, sir"?

Jesus Christ, De la Torre.
You're a fucking boss now.

Don't speak to me like you're, uh...
like you're my servant.

I need more money, Emilio.

More?! [scoffs]

You... you... What is this?

Do I look like your ex?

Do I look like I'm supposed
to provide for you?

- What are you saying?
- Whoa, watch it. Don't do that, Susana.

- Beatriz only paid for one year of rent--
- I don't give a shit.

What the fuck do you want, De la Torre?

Well, Don Emilio. Since--

No. No. I'm sorry, Emilio. Emilio, Emilio.

I need... [sighs]

...you to maybe let me borrow some...

[Susan] "Maybe," "maybe"...

You really have no balls,
do you, De la Torre?

[both laugh]

Shit, I don't even know
who's got me by the balls anymore,

Susana or Emilio.

I'm so confused. [chuckles]

- [giggles]
- Oh...

Now I wanna fuck Emilio Azcárraga.

[softly] Yeah?

[laughing]

[Susana] Yeah?

- [both moaning]
- [phone rings]

[softly] Go, go, go! Pick up! Pick up!

Hello?

[Azcárraga] I was in a board meeting.
What do you want?

Emilio... [sighs]

I'm sorry to bother you,
but... we need money.

We need money so we can negotiate.
Or this isn't gonna work.

Oh, yeah? Would you like
a foot massage with that?

Look, the Americans are throwing
everything they have at this,

and we're... we're throwing pocket change.

How'd it go today?

- Fine. Fine. Pretty good.
- Ah, no, no, no, no, no.

It went badly,
or you wouldn't be calling me.

What did you do?
Did you offer something you don't have?

No. Uh, Emilio... I'm sorry to say this,

but the problem is Guillermo Cañedo.

He, well... He's going around,

cashing in favors
straight out of World War II.

It's fucked up.
Kissinger's already noticed.

They're wiping the floor with us.

Don Emilio...

Jesus, fuck. I'm thinking!

You got a pen?

- Yes.
- I'm gonna give you my bank address.

- Yeah. Great, great. I'm ready.
- Wait. No, wait. You listen to me first.

From now on,
you play it as if we're winning. Always.

Even if everything's going to shit,
you talk like we are winners.

- You spend like a goddamn winner.
- Spot-on impression.

And you celebrate like a goddamn winner.
You understand?

- 1,000%. 1,000%, Don Emilio.
- Now, write this down.

[quirky music playing]

[sighs]

[music ends suddely]

[Martín] Hey, don't be sad, Guillermo.

Come on. Let's go turn this thing around.

Let's do this.

As you can see, this is the fax
you sent three weeks ago.

It's your pledge to vote for Mexico.

And this is what we sent you a week ago,
as a small token of appreciation.

Just take this to Coca-Cola,

and show them that you promised us
your vote a long time ago.

- You can tamper with a fax?
- [Martín] Come on, Rogelio.

How in the hell
would we do that, you dummy?

[upbeat music playing]

Morning.

For your cause.

Mexico?

'86.

[chuckles]

You guys better pay for
my team's travel expenses too, okay?

No, no.
There's enough money in there already.

Martín, it's fine. I'll cover them.

[excited chatter]

We're supposed to celebrate
like we're winners, right, Don Guillermo?

Let's get to work.

[indistinct, excited chatter]

Mm.

Let's dance. Let's dance.

Oh, come on!

Bottoms up, ladies!

[chanting] México! México!
México! México! México!

Come on. Come on. Open up.

[guests chanting]

All right, no more booze!

Because tomorrow
we gotta vote, motherfuckers!

[festive music continues]

USA 4 - MEX 8

"The tournament's organization

is regarded as a matter
of national interest

and international responsibility."

[knocking on door]

Hey, what's the matter?

It's not looking good.

- What do you mean?
- We lost Mozambique, Egypt, and Russia.

Come... come in.
Don't let 'em see you like this, man.

What happened?
How the hell did we lose 'em?

Kissinger offered Egypt
ballistic missiles,

gave Mozambique a donation
three times the size of ours,

and Pelé has committed
to a dinner with Vasili Kuznetsov.

- With what now?
- With Vasili Kuz... [sighs]

It doesn't matter.
We're completely screwed.

- [Susana] Wait. What happened?
- Nothing, baby. Nothing.

Shh. Go back to sleep. Go back to sleep.
Everything's fine. You rest.

Don Guillermo, come on, now.

We did not come this far for nothing.

We're gonna fix this.
You and I are gonna fix this. Understand?

"Fix this"? We're gonna fix this?
Let me tell you what's gonna happen.

You're gonna go,
you're gonna do your presentation,

say all your bullshit...

The Egyptian delegate's gonna see you
and say you're a moron.

Then the Soviet delegate,
who's sitting next to him

is also gonna say you're a moron.

And then Mozambique
is also gonna say you're a moron.

And so on and so forth.

Everyone's gonna say you're a moron,

just so they don't look like the moron
who didn't call you a moron.

[energetic music rises]

You know what?

You and me are going to FIFA.
We have to leave right away.

Our car will be here in 45 minutes.

Then we'll grab a taxi, Guillermo.
Come on. Please.

Dress sharp.
Meet you downstairs in five minutes.

Remember, don't let 'em see you like this.
We're winning, you understand?

We're winning, Guillermo. Five minutes.

- Five minutes.
- Okay.

[indistinct chatter]

[Havelange] Ah, you're early, Guillermo.

See you in a minute.

[Havelange] Welcome, everyone.

We will listen
to Mexico's closing statements.

Thank you.

URUGUAY - HUNGARY - AUSTRALIA - USSR

Thank you to the president of FIFA,
João Havelange.

Our brother, our friend.

I'd like to begin
by reminding everyone that

Mexico has already hosted
the World Cup before.

And not just any World Cup.
The best World Cup in history.

Where did they crown King Pelé?

In Mexico 1970.

And where, did the "Match of the Century,"
as the press called it, take place?

In my country.

In Mexico 1970.

And what have we been doing
in Mexico for the last 13 years?

Growing our infrastructure,

strengthening our organization.

In México, we are prepared.

We have proven that we are capable,

and more importantly,
that we're determined.

Let me tell you.

I can't think of anything more important
in Mexico than football.

So today, it's a choice
between money and love of the game.

You will decide whether the World Cup
is hosted by a country

that invades what it cannot buy,

or by one where football defines us
and lives in our hearts.

Thank you very much.

[Havelange] Thank you, Mexico.

[Martín] Pretty good
revolutionary party-style speech, right?

Now, while this guy talks, let me tell you
why I asked Guillermo

to come with me to FIFA
before everyone else arrived.

I came up with a plan to recover the votes
that the Americans stole from us.

I made sure
all the delegates I knew were voting

for us were seated together
and voted first.

Or in other words, the ones
who were not gonna call me a moron.

Now, let's hear the votes,
please. [clears throat]

México.

I vote for Mexico.

Sweden votes for Mexico.

[Martín] So when they started hearing.
"Mexico, Mexico, Mexico,"

The other idiots caught on.

The United States
might not have the majority after all.

[delegate 1] Mexico.

[Martín] Nobody wants to be

the asshole that votes against the country
that's clearly winning.

México.

Mexico.

[delegate 2] Mexico.

United States.

[Havelange] Congratulations to Mexico.

[cheering]

[Martín] Boy, did we run them
off the pitch.

We couldn't believe it.
And the best part was returning to Mexico.

[plane PA chimes]

I just can't.

[speaking indistinctly]

[Azcárraga laughs] Hey, hey, hey!

Who screwed the gringos, you rascal. Huh?

Who screwed the gringos?

From that moment on,
"El Tigre" took over the World Cup.

From satellite broadcasts,
to whatever brand of beer would be sold,

everything went through him.

- Who's got big balls, huh?
- [chuckles]

Who's got big balls?

[Martín] It was one hell
of a business deal.

The bonus I got was life-changing.

And we finally had enough money
to modernize FEMEXFUT.

- [all cheering]
- [Martín] Agus!

- You're the man, Martín.
- Thank you.

Thank you.

- So grateful. Thank you!
- [man] Ladies and gentlemen, Martín!

Thanks, guys!

[laughs]

De la Torre, you son of a gun!

Cardozo. Who said it couldn't be done?

- Who said we couldn't?
- You're our hero!

I'm gonna put this here, please.

Just a second. You know what?

Let's have a round of applause
for Mayrita.

- Go, Mayrita!
- [cheering]

That's right.

Mayrita moved us into this office.
I appreciate you, Mayrita.

I know that many of you already know this,

but it's important to say it
and celebrate it.

Today, it is official.

Everyone, the 1986 World Cup is ours.

- It will be held in Mexico!
- [all cheering]

Thanks to you guys! Thanks to you all!

Thank you.

[laughs]

We are gonna show everybody
what this country is capable of!

This hasn't been easy.
It hasn't been easy.

This has come at a great cost.
Even some personal sacrifice. Um...

I expect that from all of you.

That's what I hope.
I don't want your average workers.

I want soldiers. [chuckles] Like Agus!

Soldiers!

I want soldiers! I want soldiers, dammit!

I want you to be a soldier!

I promise that we will deliver
the best goddamn World Cup in history!

[cheering]

[José Ramón] The second
World Cup in Mexico

has showcased
the transformative power of our nation.

Telecommunications, tourism,
infrastructure.

Economic momentum is
building on a grand scale,

and Mexico's international rise
seems unstoppable.

Today, the country pulses
with hope, pride, and national unity.

The world's eyes are on Mexico,
drawn by the magic of football.

[Martín] We were on top of the world.

Being Mexican was synonymous
with being cool.

As the president of FEMEXFUT,

I am honored to be
at the helm of this phenomenon

known as Mexico '86.

If the 1970 World Cup was important,

the 1986 World Cup will be historic.

And in the middle of it all,
I was the man of the hour.

Everyone wanted to meet me,
interview me, take a picture with me.

Wonderful things keep happening.

The love people show me out on the street.

And the love I get
from the entire football community.

The Mexican University of Sport
granted me an honorary doctorate.

- [both chuckle]
- I fulfilled a promise to my father.

Give me a break.

Henry Kissinger who? Come on.

King Pelé!

That is... that's different.

I couldn't contain myself
from asking him for an autograph.

[both laugh]

I imagine that Don Guillermo Cañedo
played a key role in all of this.

You know, it's funny,
I thought so too but...

And don't get me wrong, okay?

I mean,
we can't keep living off past glories.

The 1970 World Cup was over a decade ago.

At the end of the day, the president
of FEMEXFUT has to do it,

has to take charge,
to step in and set the vision.

- You understand?
- Yes.

- [both chuckle]
- Yeah. That's life, am I right?

That's how it is.

"We must forget the triumphs of the '60s"?

[clicks tongue] So I'm an institution?

You should've just said I have
to wear diapers to bed and call it a day.

Would've been easier.

Come on, Guillermo.

You know the drill.

That's just how the media is.

Especially that reporter.
Watch out for her. Some woman named Tania.

So you've turned Kissinger against you.

And Steve Ross's daughter.

Why add names to the list?

You're right. [sighs]

It's a shame.

I'll be more careful next time
so I'm not taken out of context.

I've made a decision. We're going
with the technical team from Puma.

The América's current champion.

I know that. I know that.

But we want to make Hugo happy.

That's why we're going
with the coach they had in Mexico.

You know that's really gonna piss off
the owner of América.

Who, by the way, also owns the World Cup.

Who, by the way,
also knows how things work.

It's just business.

I'll speak to Emilio, all right?

I mean, stop stressing, Guillermo.

[Guillermo sighs]

[tense music rises]

- [chuckles]
- [tense music fades]

[whistle blows]

If I accept, it'll be on my terms.

Of course. Whatever you say.

I'm gonna need every single player
to go to training camp.

Mm-hmm. Well, right. Same as always.

For one year.

One year? You can't be serious. What?

For a... what do you mean?

Are you pulling my leg, or what?

And what am I supposed
to do with the league, man?

You're telling me you wanna take
the best players for a whole year?

And what? I'll play with reserves?
Are you kidding?

I'll coach the national team.
You do your job.

All right. Let's go. Come on.

Let's go, boys!

You've really got some nerve, buddy.

Asking me, Hugo Sánchez,
to give up captaincy, don't you agree?

You know that I can't just impose
a captain on Bora.

But you know damn well everyone
in this country knows who our leader is.

So, why don't you give me
that title, then?

Maradona is the captain of Argentina.

Platini's the captain of France.
Who should our captain be here?

Do I have to spell it out for you?

Now, if it can't be done,
it can't be done.

We can take our time
and wait for Italy 1990 instead.

[sighs]

Listen, Hugo.

Do you know what I would give
to wear your number out on that field?

To have scored your goals?

To break your records, to have your money?

You got a gift from God.

You've got magic.

So why not share it?

Give your country some joy, Hugo.

You think you're gonna convince
me with all that fortune cookie nonsense?

[scoffs]

It was worth a shot.

All right. [clears throat]

Alright, Hugo.

What'll it take?

The standard stuff.

You know, not much.

I can't be exclusive
with team brands alone.

I have prior commitments.

And with this demanding
training schedule,

plus the friendly matches
they're making us play...

It's simply too much to handle.

All right, look.
I'm gonna make you an offer.

Now, this stays between us, okay?

Knock yourself out.
Do as many commercials as you want.

Have as many commitments as you want.

In exchange, your campaign for captaincy
will be shelved indefinitely.

[energetic music playing]

[Matrín] Hugo made a fortune
with his commercials.

Pichichi knew exactly what he was doing.
And he wasn't the only one.

From the stadium renovations alone,
the contract allocations,

and sponsorship deals,

massive amounts of money
started flowing through FEMEXFUT.

And there I was,
right at the center of it all.

Azcárraga on one side,

the politician overseeing
the World Cup budget on the other.

"El Tigre" opened his home to me,

and the cherry on top of the cake
was having Susana by my side.

So, I'm there, and suddenly the bastard
shows up with his little red suit

and his hammer in tow.

- [all laugh]
- Really?

[Azcárraga] I wanted to kill him!

And just look how far he's come.

Making more money than Pimstein.
More than Ernesto.

Emilio, why don't you use Chapulín?
He could be in all of your commercials.

Seriously! He could rile the crowd
in the stadium, do sets in Querétaro.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Martín, hire him.

Sure we just build his salary
into the bid.

- Works for everyone. It's a win-win, right?
- [politician] How's that coming along?

Coming along great.
All we need now is the vendor.

The bid folder's ready to go,
and it has FEMEXFUT's seal on it.

What did I say? I told you he's one of us.

- Memo!
- [Cañedo] Huh?

You doubted me, right? Didn't you?

Well, it's not like you made it easy
for me with this kid.

[Martín] Damn, Guillermo.
Don't do me like that.

[Cañedo] I'm just messing with you.

Wait a second. Don't I know you?

That's right.

Uh, from where? Remind me.

Uh, Acapulco.

Right, from Paco Quintanilla's house.

Are you his wife?

- [tense, comical music playing]
- I was.

Oh, darling! I know who you are.

She was with us at the New Year's party,
the one in Los Angeles.

That's the one. What a party, Paula. Yes.

Do you know Paco?

- [Martín] No. No.
- He's the best. What's he doing now?

He treated you like a queen.

Oh, Martín, you should've seen
his house in Acapulco.

A spectacular house,
overlooking the beach.

- It was nice.
- [Azcárraga] Something out of a magazine.

Huge house.
Hey, this one here's expensive.

Oh no. You've got it wrong.
He's the one costing me money.

He's expensive, right? [laughs]

Emilio, remember those wild parties
that he would throw at that house?

- [Azcárraga] Of course I do.
- You hired that musician.

- His name?
- Barry Manilow.

- Remember?
- [Azcárraga] Uh-huh.

That was crazy.

Once a girl gets treated like a princess,
they're always a princess.

Watch out, man. Look at me.

With my Verito,
everything served on a silver platter.

I don't know, Vero.
Personally, I love silver platters.

It's all those pricks I can do without.

[awkward silence]

[exhales]

[chuckles] All right, then.
Enough gossip for one night.

[sniffles] Gentlemen, let's chat.
Excuse us, ladies. Come on. [sighs]

[Martín clears throat]

[sighs]

Tell me something, darling.

- Who got the house in the divorce?
- Paco. Paco got the house.

No. I've got the best lawyer, honey.
Just ask.

- Hey. I'm sorry. I had to say something.
- Hey, no, no, no.

No, you don't apologize.
That guy's a fucking asshole.

I mean, if you had any idea what Paco--

- No, no. It's okay. Don't worry.
- [woman] Drive safe.

- Oh no! You're leaving already?
- Yeah, we are. Thanks so much.

- So nice to see you.
- What a great dinner. Delicious.

You are not leaving
without giving me your number.

Emilio, thanks so much.

[Martín] Honestly, despite the hiccups,
everything was going great.

Then just nine months
before the World Cup, it happened.

[reporter] September 19, 1985.

The earthquake registered a magnitude
of 8.6 on the Richter scale.

The tremor struck
at approximately 7:19 in the morning.

The epicenter has been identified
at 16.5 degrees north,

and 10.3 degrees west.

[Havelange] Mexico's pain
is FIFA's pain, Martín.

We want you to know,
we stand with you. Always.

Oh, thank you so much, João.

Your words are truly appreciated.
Thank you.

And because we care about you,

we want you to focus
on what matters most right now.

Yeah, and we're on it, João.
That's what we're doing.

We really think you should devote
all of your resources

and energy to your people.

João, you're not taking
the World Cup from us, are you?

The worst thing they could do right now
is take the Cup from us.

Honey, everyone is terrified right now.

Let things settle down a bit,

and then you'll be able
to handle everything more calmly.

This country needs a good fucking reason
to get back on its feet. And this is it!

This is it.

[sighs]

I need a game plan on
how to tell Emilio. I'll only have five--

[reporter speaking indistinctly on TV]

Hey. [sighs]

I'm sorry, baby.

I'm just not thinking right.

[softly] Come here.

[sighs]

[Martín sniffles]

[exhales]

I'm just gonna...

I'm gonna call Mayrita real quick
to set up a meeting with Emilio.

It'll be quick, okay?

Put Mayrita on the phone.
Mr. De la Torre, her boss. Put her on.

What do you mean, she didn't go to work?

[inhales sharply] Yeah, well,
we all have emergencies, okay?

It's an earthquake,
but we also just can't ditch work.

Then find me someone who can get me
in touch with Mr. Azcárraga, please.

Well, find him!

It's not official yet,

but they're considering
taking it to Germany.

On top of that, the Italians

and the French
have already raised their hands.

Of fuck, we gotta speed up
those inspection reports

so we can prove that the stadium
didn't suffer any structural damage.

And we gotta keep repair costs
to a minimum to avoid drawing attention.

Jesus Christ, are you serious?
You're worried about the stadiums?

While you sip
on your stupid little coffee!

God knows how many people
are under the rubble in Chapultepec.

My people!

[Azcárraga inhales sharply]

[Martín sighs]

I know this is a national tragedy,
Don Emilio.

It truly is horrific. It is.

And I know it's hit you
and the company very hard.

I don't want to be insensitive,

but someone needs
to think about the future.

The country is mourning.
What happens tomorrow matters.

We'll need something to hold on to.

I know that football
isn't saving any lives, okay?

Twenty-two dumbasses
chasing a ball around a pitch all day.

But very few things...
give us that level of joy,

- That moment of real inspiration.
- [quietly] Yeah.

When the underdog
believes he just might win.

Come on, Don Emilio. That's fucking gold!

But who am I to say that?
You know better than anyone else.

What are you thinking?

If Guillermo can bring his pal,
Havelange, to Mexico,

I'll make sure he doesn't snatch
the World Cup from us.

You can trust me with this, sir.

And can we trust you?

[scoffs] Well, of course.
Of course you can trust me.

If FIFA comes,
you'll have to keep your focus.

And what makes you think I'd lose focus?

Some matters are best settled
without women.

[Azcárraga] Your girlfriend's attitude
nearly screwed things up

with Secretary Valenzuela.

Uh, yes. I owe you both an apology.

I'm so damn embarrassed.
And at your house, Don Emilio.

You... [sighs]

You know, once we left,
I ended the damn relationship. It's over.

I've already had issues with her.
I don't know what got into me.

Yes, I do.

It was the mini skirts.

The mini skirts. But it's over now.

I'm laser focused.

Memo, can you get in touch with Havelange?

I got it. Don't worry about it.

Don't fuck this up, Martín.

[Martín] When you're talking
to the most powerful man in Mexico,

you tell him what he wants to hear.

I needed to focus on Hermann Neuberger,

the FIFA official sent

to decide if they were taking
the World Cup away from us.

Welcome to FEMEXFUT, sir.

How was your flight?

[sighs] It was long.

How bout we drink some coffee, huh?

Would you like a coffee? Coffee?

This is traditional Mexican art. Talavera.

[Neuberger] The FIFA committee
has reviewed this thoroughly,

and we are deeply sorry
about the tragedy that's unfolded.

[inhales sharply]

But I'm afraid
the World Cup cannot stay here.

[Martín] Turns out two days before,
there had been a meeting in Switzerland.

[Jackie] Look at this tragedy.

FIFA needs to relocate
the tournament somewhere safe.

The US has the resources.

Anywhere else could mean
not having the Cup in '86.

[Martín] And you know what?

I would have done
the same thing that gringa did.

Since you came all this way,

we'd like to show you
around the city a little.

Shall we?

I know that right now
the whole world is talking

about how this city has collapsed.

But listen,
there's something the newspapers

and the news on TV
don't want you to know, Hermann.

That's what we want to show you.

- [man 1] Come on, come on!
- Go, go, Mike. Go ahead.

[volunteers chattering]

[Martín sniffles]

[jackhammer whirring]

It's tough seeing the damage.

Not easy to see this.

[man 2] Hey, Carlos!

- See, those right there?
- [man 2] Watch out for the pillar!

They're not state officials.

They're civilians helping other civilians.

I brought you because if you didn't see,
you wouldn't believe it.

Take a look.

We'd like to show you the stadium.

- [engine starts]
- Just around the corner. Twenty minutes.

[energetic music playing]

[Martín] It was 20 minutes away

because we had asked
President De la Madrid

to shut down the entire avenue for us.

We even got them to patch up
every damn pothole on the highway.

[Martín] Great. Let's go. This way.

[grunts] Follow me.

Stadium Neza, '86.

Intact, sir. And remodeled
for our World Cup. Come this way.

[Martín] The truth is,
the stadium only got a light touch-up.

But 20,000 food packages
and a whole load of fun

were enough to fill that place
with a staged crowd.

- [laughs]
- [crowd chanting]

- What do you think? Hey, give me that.
- [crowd] Hermann! Hermann!

After you.

[Martín] Hermann! [laughs]

Thank you for being here.

I appreciate you.
Do you want to speak first, Hermann?

- Yes.
- Don't be shy. Go ahead.

- Yeah. Please.
- Tell them why there's no Cup in Mexico.

I'm kidding.

[both laugh]

- Come on.
- It's a joke.

We're messing with you.
Today we party, okay? No talking.

[chuckling]

Relax. Enjoy.

[Martín] Hm. [sniffles]

- [clears throat]
- [feedback squeals]

Good morning.

We appreciate you all
for being here today.

I'd like to begin
by saying that if I'm standing here now,

it's simply because,
like you, I was lucky.

Lucky in a way my neighbors were not.

And all those days and endless nights

that I'm sure, like you,

I spent clearing rubble,
searching for bodies,

I started thinking,
"I have a responsibility."

A responsibility to give our country hope.

The World Cup needs to stay
right here in Mexico!

[crowd cheers]

So, Mr. Neuberger...

I'm sure it's clear by now that
this stadium is in pristine condition.

But that's not the point.

The point is all of you here.

It's the people
who have gathered here today

of their own volition
to remind us all that Mexico is ready

to welcome the whole world,
to celebrate together!

How's that sound?

Yes, Mr. Neuberger,
the impact was profound.

But it did not break us.

And that is why now, more than ever,

our nation deserves
to deliver and celebrate

the most amazing World Cup in history!

Welcome to México, Hermann!

[mariachi tune playing]

This is Mexico!

It's smooth. Don't worry.

Come on. Come on.

- [all laugh]
- "I don't drink tequila."

- Well, you do here!
- Chug, chug! Oh my God!

It's football, baby!

[shouts]

[grunts]

- Yahoo!
- [crowd cheers]

[grunts]

[crowd cheers]

Goal, motherfucker! Goal!

[groans]

[group laughs]

- Other bottle?
- I got something to say.

- No, no, no, no.
- Viva Mexico!

Hey, Hermann. Here's a little something.

Might help with your decision.

[in German] Thank you.

- Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- [laughs]

[Martín chuckles] This guy!

See, this is what I meant
when I said you need to focus.

Yeah, I hear you.

Um, the problem isn't women, Martín.

Look at me. If there's one thing
I'm fuckin' crazy about, it's women.

[both chuckle]

But that doesn't mean I'm gonna allow them
to walk all over me.

And it's not as hard
as you might think it is.

Martín, once I reached
a certain point in my life,

I knew I had to get organized, okay?

That's all I had to do.

Now, if you're hopelessly in love...

[Martín chuckles]

...well, then maybe
we can help you get over it, yeah?

Okay wait a minute.
You've lost me, Emilio.

- What are you saying?
- Listen.

Between now and the World Cup,

you're gonna get lots of visibility,

lots of events,
cameras on you all the time.

Hm. [chuckles]

You can't even hide the excitement
behind your eyes.

My advice is to get a girl
who knows how to stand next to you.

Okay? Someone high-profile,
like... like Lucía, for example.

[chuckles] What? The redhead?

[both laugh]

- No fuckin' way. No, no, no, no, no.
- No?

I'm not as cool as you, Emilio.

I can't do both at once, you know?
I'll end up losing focus.

Well, it's your loss, then. Your loss.

[scoffs] I don't know.

Maybe I'll accept your offer
after the inauguration.

Hm. Are you still in touch with your ex?

- No.
- No?

Why do you ask?

Paula's obsessed
with that Acapulco house now.

The one that she shared
with that crooked shit, Paco Quintanilla.

[sighs] Don't tell me that.

- It's how it is.
- I broke it off. That's dead.

Well, you're better off
because that woman's not good for you.

Cheers to that. [sighs]

- Great job, kid.
- [Martín chuckles]

Well done.

[Martín sighs]

My love. [laughs]

Are you ready to attend
the opening ceremony

of the 1986 Mexico World Cup

in the presidential box?

- [laughs]
- So you really did it, huh?

[laughs] Mwah.

You should've seen him.
The poor bastard wants to be Mexican now.

[laughs] It was amazing.

Why didn't you take me with you?

Oh, it was just a bunch of...
a bunch of men, babe.

That kinda stuff's
like electing the pope, you know?

Pretty boring.

But you'll take me next time, won't you?

Or are you and I supposed
to be broken up by then?

Huh?

Well, see this morning,
I spoke to Paula Cussi,

who told me how sorry she was

to learn that you and I
are no longer together.

[chuckles]

No... Wait, no way. Seriously?

What a nutcase.

You're not gonna take her seriously,
are you?

You... you saw her at dinner.
She's a disaster.

But it's odd, isn't it?

[sighs] What is?

I don't know, that Azcárraga
would just lie about something like that.

It's really bizarre.

I don't know. I don't know, then.

I got the feeling
that he lies to everybody.

[sighs]

Martín.

Tell me the truth.

I am telling you the truth.

So, none of what I'm saying
happened at all?

I have no fucking clue
what you're talking about.

- [sniffles]
- Martín.

What?

Come on.

You're not lying to Azcárraga.
You're not lying to Paula Cussi.

It's me that you're lying to.

[scoffs] What do you want me to say, huh?

Fuck, how...
how could you not believe me, Susana?

It really fuckin' hurts, you know?

For fucks' sake. Are you serious?

What do you want from me? Huh?

What more do you want?

I don't know what your life was like
with Paco, that motherfucker.

But I am not him, honey. I'm different.

Damn, Martín.

It's almost impressive how you can do it.

Lying comes as natural
to you as breathing.

Oh, you're one to talk.

You're so honest, aren't you?

Why don't we talk about trust?

'Cause that's what it's about.
Trusting each other.

The wife of a... a criminal.

You were together
for four years, weren't you?

When were you gonna tell me, my love? Hmm?

Get out, Martín.

Okay. Fine...
You bet your ass I'm leaving. You got it.

Fuckin... I'm such a fucking idiot.

Sure. Sure, I'll leave.

You know, so you feel more comfortable.

I'll just...

Here's your fuckin' keys, right there!

[door slams]

["Frente a frente" by Jeanette playing]

[melancholic Spanish ballad continues]

[Martín] I know.

What a fuckin' dumbass.

Susana was the best thing
that ever happened to me,

and I... I went,
and I screwed the whole thing up.

[sighs]

[melancholic ballad swells]

[Martín] That's how it was
until May 31, 1986,

the day more than 100,000 people
packed the Azteca Stadium.

[crowd cheering]

[Martín] Who would've thought?

All the work and sacrifice
I'd put in over the years...

The World Cup was off to a great start.
And there I was, brokenhearted.

[José Ramón] And the opening match
is underway, Mexico against Belgium!

[announcer 1] The ball swings
into the box and... Goal!

Quirarte, Fernando Quirarte scores
the first ball for the Mexican team.

To the middle left! Goal! By Hugo Sánchez.

Goal!

[José Ramón] Mexico's second match
against Paraguay.

Penalty for Mexico!

[announcer 3] Carrying the weight

of the whole team
on his shoulders, Hugo Sánchez!

Misses by an inch!

[Martín] All that talk about Real Madrid,
and he missed that penalty shot.

HUGO MISSES!

But still, we were just one step away
from the next round.

And everyone was happy.

Everyone except me.

- I'm here to see her, thanks.
- [receptionist] Go ahead.

Yes, no problem, sir.

I'll have that quote
ready for you later today.

Of course. Yeah. Thanks.

[receiver clatters]

Hello there.

Hello.

May I...?
Just for a minute, I'll be super quick.

I have some information that might
be useful to your clients.

México's quarterfinal match...
will be in Monterrey.

Well, if we keep playing like this,
which I think we will.

In other words, a bunch of fans...
will decide to go to Monterrey overnight.

So basically, plane tickets,
travel packages.

The stadium fits 42,000.

Just a tip. [chuckles]

- Hm.
- Friend to friend, you know?

Thanks.

Thanks, Martín. Thanks for the... the info.

Well, so...

- I guess... Sorry, I got a call that--
- Susana...

Susana, I needed to see you again.

I really, really miss you.

[softly] What we had was so beautiful.

And I ruined it.
I know I ruined everything.

I was just overwhelmed.

I let my pride get the best of me.

I'm so sorry, Susana.

Please, forgive me.

Thank you.

Thank you for apologizing, Martín.

I know apologies
aren't easy for you. [chuckles]

No, they aren't.

You're right, they're not,
but you know why I'm doing this.

You're the love of my life.

That's why.

[sighs, kisses]

Fuck.

Thank you.

Thank you for...

for seeing me,
for giving me one more chance...

Thank you.

I never said I was giving you
one more chance.

Well, but...

You... what?

[sighs]

Martín, you're a compulsive liar.

Let's just speak honestly for once.
That's how I met you, lying to your wife.

And that's fine.

You know, I'm not perfect,
and I don't expect you to be either.

We all have our flaws.

But in a relationship,
there are certain rules

that you still don't understand.

And I commend you for coming here today.
That's a huge step for you.

But you still have so much more to learn.

And thank you so much for the info on...
on Monterrey.

[sighs] Sure.

Sure, yeah, I think it could be useful.

I'm really glad you stopped by.

Yeah, me too.
And hey, thanks for your time. Anyway...

I should get going. Goodbye.

- Hey, thanks. Thanks.
- Of course, sir.

- See you.
- Have a great day.

[Martín] Are you asking me
to let Mexico lose against Iraq?

[Cañedo] I'm not asking you.

México will lose to Iraq
and will finish second in its group.

[sighs] That's the biggest load of crap
I've ever heard, Guillermo.

Listen, if Mexico comes in first,
they'll go to Monterrey.

Azteca Stadium is Emilio Azcárraga's.

The national team only plays
in his stadium.

What part of that don't you understand?

[Martín] They don't want the team playing
anywhere but the Azteca.

[Bora] And what do you want Martín?

I want you to score five goals.

[intense music playing]

I refuse to let our team lose
this World Cup.

Okay.

I respect you, Martín.

I respect the hell
out of you too, Bora. [chuckles]

[sighs]

They were gonna offer you a house.

Wait, a house?

You're joking.

[laughs] I was fucking with you.

- [Bora] You asshole.
- They weren't gonna offer you shit.

[laughs] Hey, if you win this World Cup,
I'll fucking marry you.

I'll buy you a house.
I'll get you a minivan.

[Martín] Okay, we didn't score
five goals, but we did score one.

And with that, we finished first
in the group, undefeated.

[José Ramón] After their victory
against Iraq,

Mexico plays
their fourth match against Bulgaria.

Past the 35-minute mark.
Amador with the touch.

Sets up Negrete.

He plays it to Aguirre.

What a volley by El Vasco.

Back it goes to Negrete.
Here he comes. The scissor kick!

Goal! Negrete scores!

No fucking way.

- [coughs] No way, Manuel!
- ['80s pop playing]

Oh! Oh! Oh! [exclaims]

Goal!

Goal, motherfucker! Goal. Oh, fuck yeah!

[José Ramón] The best goal in this Cup.
Mexico is celebrating.

For the first time ever,
the team advances to a fifth game,

the quarterfinals, and now Mexico
faces West Germany

in Monterrey in what will surely be

the most important match
in the nation's football history.

[singing anthem]

[crowd cheering]

Come on!

[energetic music playing]

[José Ramón] The whistle blows,
and the quarterfinal is underway.

Mexico against West Germany.

The Mexican team has been outstanding,

dominating the last Cup's runner-up
with a brilliant display.

Come on, México!

El Abuelo Cruz inside the box.

- It's in. Mexico scores!
- Yeah!

- [whistle blows]
- Hold on.

That's our call.

[José Ramón] The referee
calls a prior foul in the area,

and Mexico is left without a goal.

The match intensifies.

Hugo! Drop back. Take it!

The Mexican team standing firm,
holding its ground, pressing forward.

Ninety minutes gone, and still no goals.

[whistle blows]

[José Ramón] The referee blows the whistle
for full time,

and we're headed to penalties, folks.

Bora has two reliable takers,
Manuel Negrete and Hugo Sánchez.

But hang on. Our Pichichi is in trouble.

He's been cramping for a while,

and it's unclear
if he'll be able to take the penalty.

- He's gonna stay on the ground.
- I think so too.

- He's gonna stay?
- Mm-hm.

Little bitch.

Hugo won't get up. I bet he won't.

- [sighs] Pfft.
- [crowd chanting]

- That bastard's gotta shoot.
- I don't think he will.

No, he will stand up.
Of course he fucking will.

I'll be back. I'll be right back.

[intense music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, buddy. Hey. Hey.

- I need your jacket, man.
- I'm sorry?

That jacket. Give it to me.

- That's it, nice and slow.
- Hugo. You're the man.

What a game, man. We almost had 'em.

This is your moment. This is it.
Did you pick your penalty already?

- [grunts] I wish I could, but--
- But what?

I can't do it.

- Why not?
- It's what's best for the team.

- Huh?
- I'm cramped up. There's no way.

It's what's best for which team?

'Cause I don't see you cramping up
like this for Real Madrid.

What about Real Madrid?
Stop fucking around, Hugo.

I'm not fucking around, man.

What, you're trying
to lecture me now? Huh?

First time you set foot on a pitch,
and you're fucking lecturing me?

The fuck you know about football?
Little man.

- [Martín] Bora.
- What are you doing here, man?

How come Hugo doesn't want to kick, huh?

The whole team is scared shitless.

I don't have Tomás, I don't have Javier,
and now I don't have Hugo.

- The guys don't want to do it.
- It's their fucking job, Bora!

Choose the most decent kickers you have
and force them to do it.

Listen to me. I know how this goes, okay?

If I force them, they fail.
They have to want to kick.

And get out of here.

Raúl. Raúl, you're not shooting?

Only if coach tells me to.

Raúl, people will remember you
if you decide for yourself.

Who scored the most beautiful goal
at the World Cup, man? Huh? Come on.

Who's been the best player
on this damn team, Fernando? Tell me.

Everyone's here to see you, man!

Are you a leader or a follower?

History only remembers the ones
who make their penalties.

Don't fuck this up. Raise your hand.

Fucking Raúl's already volunteered.
You're gonna look like an asshole.

Hey, coach.

I'll take the first one.

Okay, fine. Good luck. You got this.

[Raúl] Coach. I'll go.

- Come. That's great. Good.
- Nice. Good job.

[Martín] And suddenly,
we had our penalty takers.

Now, if Bora could just cast his magic,
we'd beat West Germany.

Listen to me, men.

You and I, we're not the same.

I wasn't born in México.

But this is the place that I chose.

You want to know why?
Because here, anything is possible.

And I know it's possible
to beat West Germany.

- And whoever the fuck we want.
- Yeah.

- [player] That's right.
- So show us you have balls.

Shoot with your heart.

Together, we are Mexico.

And here, nothing is impossible.

We can do it. Yes, we can!

Yes, we can! Yes, we can!
Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

Yes, we can!

Yes, we can! Yes, we can!
Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

[chanting fades out]

GERMANY'S FAVOR

[Martín] Goddamn Germans.

[scoffs] They never miss.

["Cielito lindo" playing]

Even though we lost,
seeing our national team play like that

against one of the world's best
filled everyone with pride.

That stadium turned
into a hell of a party.

That World Cup was fantastic.

1986 wasn't even over yet,

and El Tigre was already mapping out
our next move.

You're making history, man.

We are, Don Emilio. We're making history...

[Azcárraga] Hey, if our team
keeps this up, maybe in four years,

we'll end up bringing that stupid cup
home from Italy, ya know?

[laughs]

I thought we couldn't win
even if we played 11 to 3

Listen, kid. Keep it up, okay? Right?

- Do you like this house? Hm?
- Yeah, it's stunning.

Well, it's yours, Martín.

This is what I do.
I always reward my people.

And you've proven yourself to me.
I'm gonna renew your contract at FEMEXFUT.

Now, if you get bored,
you come join me at the company.

- How about a vice presidency?
- [sighs]

[both chuckle]

Such an honor, Don Emilio.

- I'd love to working close to you, but...
- What?

- You know I have my eye on Switzerland.
- Oh, no kidding.

[chuckles]

What are you going to do?
What are you thinking?

The Olympic Games are coming.

Korea. We're going for gold.
Our team is incredible.

Our under-20s?

It's a breeding ground of up-and-coming
star teammates for Hugo Sánchez.

Let's see who can stop us in Italy.

[sighs] That sounds nice.

Interesting. Look, if you pull that off,

you'll have my support
in taking over for João.

The bastard's gotta retire
sooner or later, you know?

- [chuckles]
- Just make it work. Huh? [chuckles]

[energetic electronic music playing]

[Martín] Cardozo, we've gotta give
the Under-20 a hand.

Right now, wherever Mexico stands,
it's got to kick ass.

We're gonna give the U-20 a hand,

and, if necessary, the U-19,
the U-17, the U-23.

We'll throw in two
or three seasoned players.

That will give the team an edge.
We need to have the upper hand.

Tell him not to worry about age.
We'll take care of that.

Shave 'em down.

Ask Chabelo for advice
for once. [chuckles]

[Martín] We got new birth certificates
for four veterans

and put together a powerhouse team.

It wasn't only my decision,
but my signature was the one on the paper.

By 1988,
Mexico was ready to enter the First World.

And the Under-20s,

we were kicking ass.

And that goddamn plan,
it was turning out great.

But unfortunately, not everyone agreed.

[man] Five, four, three...

[José Ramón] A special report.

Guatemala has filed a protest this morning
over the use of overage players

in the Under-20 team.

CONCACAF will have to assess the situation

and determine the consequences
of this shameful fraud.

We know the Under-20
is full of overage players.

- What's there to appeal?
- [Martín] Slander.

Groundless accusations
are a betrayal of our nation's values!

You have evidence? Show us the evidence!

Is this not your signature?

You just came to provoke me,
didn't you, you fucker?

You're a snake. We're done.

Get out of here, Cardozo.
Please get him out of here.

You fucking dwarf.
You just came here to cause trouble.

- Don't play dumb with me.
- Let's go.

Hey, no one's pushing you.
Okay? Get out of here.

The institutional corruption
at the Mexican Football Federation

is a disgrace to us all.

And you should do something
about De la Torre. The guy's a crook.

US SEEKS MEXICO'S SPOT

All I ask is that you tell
me the truth about what happened.

Were the certificates forged or not?

They were not, sir.

We didn't forge
a single birth certificate.

[José Ramón] This sanction is
the most severe imposed in FIFA's history.

[Sánchez] Listen,
I'm only going to say this.

The moral decline we've witnessed
and corruption in football

comes down to a single person,

Martín de la Torre.

That's all. Anything else?

Do you have any idea how much money
I'll lose for not going to Italy 90?

Do you have any idea how not having
a World Cup affects people's morale?

And right when the national team's
in its prime?

Hugo's the Golden Boot, god damn it!

If you cared so much,
why didn't you come out and defend me?

We'd still be in Italy 1990!

Excuse me, you little shit,
who in the hell do you think you are?

Think I owe you something, kid?

I handed you
the best goddamn World Cup in history!

You're welcome.

And the loyalty?

That wasn't nothing, Don Emilio. Huh?

Have I ever exposed
any of the shit you do?

No, I haven't.

I never have. Because I could've.

I still can!

Oh, I'm sorry, are you threatening me now?

[chuckles]

Really, I'm the man
who invented you Martín.

You wouldn't exist in football without me.

You're the one
who doesn't know shit about football!

[scoffs]

You can't see that, can you?

We can leave it at that.

If you don't appreciate me,
you can go fuck yourself

as far as I'm concerned.

My God, you really got some big balls.

Now watch every door
close on you one by one.

You'll carry this burden on your own.

And I'm gonna make sure that every person
in this country spits in your face.

Am I clear?

You think I'm afraid of you, Emilio?
Huh? With your stupid power.

Your stupid little business.
[scoffs] Football is for men, Emilio.

Why don't we settle this right now? Huh?

You and I, right now. Get up.

Come on. Let's see how you do
without your little helpers. Come on!

And you call yourself a man?

I'm not one of your fucking showgirls,
you hear me?

Don't get confused.

You keep your football.

Let's see how long it takes you
to ruin it, like everything.

You ball-less bastard.

[sighs]

["Cielito lindo" playing]

[man] Hey, are you Martín de la Torre?

Fuck your mother,
you little bitch! [laughs]

MEXICO CITY, 1994

- What's up, my friend?
- How you doing, buddy?

Give me a double.
I'm leaving. [clears throat]

You're not watching the game?

- You know how it is.
- Yeah, I know.

[announcer speaking on TV]

I don't like watching our team anymore.

- Just what the doctor ordered.
- Thanks.

It hurts, you know?

But since '86,
our team's not what it once was.

Football fans have been there
every step of the way.

That Cup was unreal.
It was like none other.

Televisa made a lot of money.

National pride was everywhere. [chuckles]

And there hasn't been a party
like that ever since.

But the system's a bitch.

Azcárraga made sure I was banned
from football for life.

And also that the whole country knew

we missed out on the World Cup
'cause of me.

But my life's not so bad. No.

FEMEXFUT was full of all this infighting,
and football consumed everything.

And I don't know why,
but honestly, I sleep so well at night.

That was my creation.

There are so many who would kill
to be the mastermind behind it.

The greatest World Cup in history.

I know this firsthand. I was right--

Excuse me. Are you Martín de la Torre?

[sighs]

Could you do me a favor?
Go fuck yourself, you prick.

[scoffs]

All right.

- Güero?
- [Güero] Mm?

Close me out.

[Güero] Settle it up
at the end of the month.

I have to get going.
Got a match to get to.

Some matches,
they can't pull you from so easily.

You just have to know the rules.

["Siempre en mi mente" playing]

[Martín sighs]

[clears throat]

[romantic ballad continues]

[sighs]

[knocking on door]

[exhales]

- Afternoon, ma'am.
- Hello.

Your husband home?

No.

I'm sorry. And you are?

[chuckles]

Hugo Sánchez.

Hugo?

Well, wait a minute, aren't you supposed
to be playing against Bulgaria?

No, it's halftime. I snuck out for a bit.

Right now, I'm here to score a goal.

[both chuckle]

Just one goal?

[chuckles]

[both laugh]

MARTÍN DE LA TORRE
SPENT THE REST OF HIS LIFE

TEACHING ACCOUNTING.

AFTER HIS TIME AT FEMEXFUT,

MEXICAN SOCCER WAS UPGRADED
TO A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL.

SINCE THEN, THE MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM
HAS QUALIFIED FOR EVERY WORLD CUP.

AND IT HAS NEVER COME
SO CLOSE TO WINNING IT

AS IT DID WITH MARTÍN DE LA TORRE.

MEXICO 86

INSPIRED BY EL 86: EL AÑO
EN QUE MÉXICO CAMBIÓ AL MUNDO

[energetic fanfare playing]

[upbeat tune continues]