Mexico delivered one of the biggest moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32, ending a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage victory and booking a place in the Round of 16.
After a weather delay at the Estadio Azteca, El Tri came out with intensity and took control of the match. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead just nine minutes later, giving the hosts a comfortable advantage before halftime. Mexico maintained its defensive discipline throughout the second half, preventing Ecuador from mounting a comeback. Ecuador’s difficult night ended on an even sourer note when Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time.
The victory marks Mexico’s first win in a World Cup knockout match since the 1986 tournament, also hosted on home soil. It breaks a long-standing streak of Round-of-16 disappointments and fuels hopes that Javier Aguirre’s side can make a deep run in the expanded 48-team competition.
Mexico will now face the winner of England versus DR Congo in the Round of 16 as they continue their quest for a historic World Cup campaign.
