FIFA 2026: Mexico end 40-year knockout wait, reach last 16

MEXICO CITY: Mexico reached the FIFA World Cup last 16 after beating Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday, ending a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage win at the tournament.

First-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured the victory at the Azteca Stadium, where the co-hosts will return for their next match. Mexico’s first World Cup knockout win since defeating Bulgaria in 1986 set up a meeting with either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the next round.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said his side produced a strong first half before managing the game after the break. “We managed to stay calm behind the ball,” Aguirre said, adding that the support from the crowd reflected the connection between the team and its fans.

Mexico take control before the break

Kick-off was delayed by an hour because of thunderstorms, but more than 80,000 supporters filled the stadium before the match began.

Mexico created the better chances early, with Raul Jimenez heading wide before teenager Gilberto Mora sent an effort just past the post. Ecuador came close through John Yeboah, whose shot struck the outside of the post after a counter-attack.

The hosts went ahead in the 22nd minute when Roberto Alvarado found Quinones with a through ball and the forward scored with a shot into the top corner.

Mexico doubled their lead nine minutes later after Ecuador lost possession near their penalty area. Jimenez exchanged passes with Quinones before scoring his 47th international goal, moving within five of Javier Hernandez’s national team scoring record.

Ecuador nearly reduced the deficit before halftime, but goalkeeper Raul Rangel denied Yeboah with a save.

Ecuador unable to respond

Ecuador had more possession after the restart but failed to create clear chances against a Mexico defence that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Mexico continued to threaten from set pieces, with goalkeeper Hernan Galindez saving a header from captain Cesar Montes before another effort went wide.

Aguirre later replaced Quinones, Jimenez and 17-year-old Mora, who became the youngest player to start a World Cup match since Pele. “It’s too bad Mora ran out of gas, but he’s just a kid,” Aguirre said. “All the players ran a lot.”

Ecuador finished the match with 10 men after defender Piero Hincapie was sent off late in the game following an argument with Santiago Gimenez. As the final whistle sounded, Mexico’s players celebrated with supporters at the Azteca Stadium.

Aguirre said Sunday’s last-16 match would be “the most important” of his coaching career and in the history of the Mexico national team.