Despite the bad weather, Mexico’s momentum did not slow down as the co-hosts defeated Ecuador to advance to the last 16.
Published July 1, 2026
Mexico showed off its style on Tuesday at the iconic Azteca Stadium, defeating Ecuador 2-0 and breaking a 40-year-old curse of reaching the FIFA World Cup finals.
The best-of-32 match was delayed by an hour due to inclement weather, and once it got underway, co-organizers rushed out of the blocks and a wave of attacks mounted.
Recommended stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
In a lively atmosphere, Julian Quiñones gave Mexico the lead midway through the first half with a powerful strike, before replacing Raul Jimenez as the provider.
Ecuador needed to regain momentum after the break, but struggled to shift gears with the home side largely in control.
Mexico had not won in the World Cup finals since 1986, when they last hosted the tournament.
With Tuesday’s victory, Mexico remains unbeaten in 10 World Cup games in Azteca and will be looking to play England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 16.
Mexico, along with favorites France and reigning champions Argentina, were one of only three teams to win all three games in the group stage, without conceding a single goal.
Ecuador finished third in the group with just two points.
Mexico gets things right early
At the age of 17, Gilberto Mora was named in Mexico’s starting XI, becoming the second-youngest player to start in a World Cup finals tournament, after Brazilian legend Pelé in 1958.
The home team did not allow the hard-hit Ecuador to settle down and started in the lead.
Jimenez squandered a great heading opportunity in the seventh minute, but Mora’s shot went just wide.
At the other end, John Yeboah took an unusual advance for the away team into the penalty area and flicked the ball wide of the near post.
Mexico took the lead in the 22nd minute when Saudi Arabia-based Quinones received the ball from Roberto Alvarado, cut down the left flank, advanced into the box and fired an unstoppable shot that curled past goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez and ceilinged.
The first rehydration break failed to change the scenario and Mexico doubled their lead after 30 minutes when Quinones fed Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jimenez, who fired a rocket into the top corner of the goal.
As Ecuador gained a foothold in the game, Raul Rangel made a fine save to deny Yeboah from further shots, but chances continued to flow for the opposition as well.
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccasse made several changes after the break to find a way to get back into the game. However, Mexico were mostly content to wait and see, although they still looked the more threatening side, with Cesar Montes coming close to scoring twice.
With just over 15 minutes remaining, Ecuadorian substitute Kevin Rodriguez went wide, but the chances ran out. Piero Hincapie covered his mouth during a confrontation with an opponent and was sent off in stoppage time, capping a disastrous night for Ecuador.
Mexico will be hoping the Aztecs, who hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, will repeat their magic in the last 16 on Sunday.
All World Cup matches from the quarterfinals onwards will be played in the United States.
