Story perspectives

Netflix's “Mexico 86” Stars Luna in World Cup Bid Drama

6/6/2026

Summary

Luna Campaigns

Netflix released “Mexico 86,” starring Diego Luna as Martín de la Torre, campaigning to host the 1986 Cup after Colombia withdrew.
Colombia dropped its bid over financial and political problems, prompting Mexico to pursue the tournament.
The film shows Martín leading political, media and business negotiations during the 1985 earthquake and economic instability.
Reviewers noted slow pacing but praised Luna’s performance and 1980s look, rating the drama 6/10 on 2026-06-05.

Summary

Luna Premieres

The series premiered on Netflix on June 5, 2026, directed by Gabriel Ripstein, who co-wrote it with Daniel Krauze, adapting Francisco Javier González’s novel.
Diego Luna stars as Martín de la Torre, serves as executive producer, and recalled his 1985 earthquake memories in El País.
Production design by Mónica Chirinos recreated FEMEXFUT offices and quake-scarred streets, while consultants blended fact and fiction, adding fictionalized Henry Kissinger, Pelé, Emilio Azcárraga and João Havelange.

Summary

Luna Exposes

The film satirizes corrupt tactics used to secure the 1986 World Cup for Mexico.
The film casts Hugo Sánchez as a diva, a role he objected to, and Emilio Azcárraga as antagonist played by Daniel Giménez Cacho.
After the tournament, the story follows schemer Martín de la Torre (Diego Luna) exposing murky dealings by the Football Federation while Gabriel Ripstein blends a view of FIFA corruption with a fan nod.

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Luna Campaigns

Netflix released “Mexico 86,” starring Diego Luna as Martín de la Torre, campaigning to host the 1986 Cup after Colombia withdrew.
Colombia dropped its bid over financial and political problems, prompting Mexico to pursue the tournament.
The film shows Martín leading political, media and business negotiations during the 1985 earthquake and economic instability.
Reviewers noted slow pacing but praised Luna’s performance and 1980s look, rating the drama 6/10 on 2026-06-05.

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