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Bad weather does not spoil Mexico’s party as the players enter the last 16 and beat Ecuador.
Published on 1 Jul 2026
Mexico changed their form at the Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, eliminating Ecuador 2-0 to break through. FIFA World Cup drop it a curse 40 years ago.
The 32-round match was delayed for an hour due to the storm, and when it started, teammates flew into the stands, raising waves after the attack.
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In a busy season, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a deserved lead midway through the first half with a powerful strike and then provided an assist for Raul Jimenez.
Ecuador desperately needed to regain momentum after the break but struggled to shift gears, with the home side in full control.
Mexico had not won a knockout match at the World Cup since 1986, when they were in the final.
Tuesday’s win means Mexico are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at the Azteca and will have a chance to win. England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 16th round.
Mexico were one of only three teams to win all three of their matches, along with favorites France and reigning champions Argentina, without conceding a single goal.
Ecuador finished third in their group, scoring just two goals.
Gilberto Mora17, was selected to start for Mexico, becoming the second youngest player to start a World Cup final after Brazilian legend Pele in 1958.
The home team started from the front, refusing to allow a shaken Ecuador to settle.
Jimenez missed a chance to win in the seventh minute, and Mora shined.
At the other end, John Yeboah entered the penalty area with a random shot from the visitors, and cut the outside of the near post.
Mexico took the lead in the 22nd minute when Saudi Quinones received a through ball from Roberto Alvarado and dribbled down the left before breaking into the box and unleashing an unstoppable volley past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, raising the bar.
An initial hydration break failed to change the script, and Mexico doubled their lead after half an hour when Quinones fed Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jimenez, who fired a rocket into the top corner.
Raul Rangel saved well to keep out Yeboah as Ecuador got into the game but the chances continued at the other end.
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece made several changes at the break to find a way back into the game. But Mexico, mostly content to sit at the back, still looked the more threatening team, with Cesar Montes going close twice.
Ecuadorian substitute Kevin Rodriguez played on for just over a quarter of an hour, but their chances ran out. Piero Hincapie was released shortly after closing his mouth in a fight with an opposition player to end a miserable night in Ecuador.
Mexico will be hoping that Azteca, who made the finals of the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, will repeat the magic in the last 16 on Sunday.
Starting with the quarterfinals, all World Cup matches will be played in the United States.
