Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 at a roaring Estadio Azteca on Tuesday to advance into the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 and secure their first knockout-stage win since 1986.
A lightning delay of about an hour pushed back kickoff, but it did little to quiet a charged home crowd in Mexico City, with El Tri quickly taking control once the whistle blew.
Julian Quinones opened the scoring with a standout strike in minute 22 before Raul Jimenez doubled the lead nine minutes later, putting the co-hosts firmly in command before halftime.
Mexico’s only previous World Cup knockout win also came at the Azteca in 1986, when they defeated Bulgaria by the same 2-0 scoreline during the last tournament hosted by the country.
This year’s expanded 48-team format means Mexico are not yet in the quarterfinals after their victory Tuesday. They will next face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Azteca on Sunday, with a place in the last eight at stake.
