MEXICO CITY — Mexico ended a 40-year World Cup knockout-stage drought on Tuesday after a 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32 at Estadio Azteca, securing a place in the last 16 of the 2026 tournament, according to match reports and team officials.
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored first-half goals within a nine-minute span to seal Mexico’s first knockout-stage win at a World Cup since 1986, when the team last advanced in the elimination rounds on home soil.
Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a finish following a quick attacking sequence, before Jiménez doubled the lead in the 31st minute with a strike from inside the area. Mexico controlled large stretches of the match and limited Ecuador’s attacking output, with goalkeeper Raúl Rangel making a key save before halftime to preserve the lead, according to match accounts.
The match, played in front of a capacity crowd at the Azteca, was delayed by approximately one hour due to severe weather, including thunderstorms in Mexico City, organizers said. Despite the disruption, Mexico produced an early lead and maintained control through much of the second half as Ecuador struggled to generate clear chances.
Mexico’s victory also marks its advancement to the Round of 16, where it is scheduled to face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo, depending on the outcome of the remaining Round of 32 fixture, tournament officials confirmed.
The win ends a prolonged run of knockout-stage exits for Mexico, which had lost its previous seven World Cup elimination matches dating back across multiple tournaments, underscoring the significance of the result for the co-host nation.
Coach Javier Aguirre credited the team’s tactical discipline and first-half execution in post-match remarks, while highlighting the importance of maintaining composure under pressure in front of a home crowd.
Separately, authorities in Mexico City reported multiple fatalities during large-scale celebrations following the match, prompting a government review of crowd safety measures ahead of Mexico’s next fixture, according to official statements.
Mexico’s next match in the tournament is expected to take place at Estadio Azteca in the Round of 16.
