A documentary created by Manchester-based video production company, Eight Engines, telling the story of four friends who went to the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and never came home, has captivated the hearts of football fans around the world.
Lost Down Mexico Way follows the journey of a group of Wolves fans that travelled to Mexico on a one-way flight 40 years ago and ended up staying and embarking on new lives in the US [a narrative that seems far less likely to unfold for any fans attending Mexican games at this year’s event, what with one thing and another, ed].
The 40-minute short film was created and filmed by Eight Engines last summer in various locations across The US and Mexico but has picked up pace this month following a stream of national attention coinciding with the 2026 World Cup starting.
It now has over 160,000 views on YouTube alone and is causing conversations in the media and across football forums around the world, The compelling story has been picked up by the BBC, The Times and The Telegraph, amongst others.
Jack Leigh, managing director of Eight Engines and the director of the film, said: “”From the first minute I heard this story, I was in love with it. It’s an odd job, trying to turn a bunch of stories four different people have been telling for years into something with a beginning, middle and end, but I just couldn’t get it out of my head. It reminded me of sitting in a pub, chatting away, and someone suddenly tells you the most amazing story and you end up living in their world for an hour.
“That’s the feeling I wanted to bottle. It wasn’t easy at times, but the response shows how much people have been craving this kind of content. It’s a story that shows a culture that’s often portrayed negatively but actually has so much soul.”
Eight Engines is now in conversations about extending the documentary further – with ideas ranging from a full-feature documentary and an expanded series, to screenings at football stadiums.
Eight Engines won the Production Company of the Year this year at the Prolific North Champions awards.
You can watch the full documentary on YouTube here:
