Mexico produced a commanding display to defeat Ecuador 2-0 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory.
Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured the historic triumph at Mexico City Stadium after a weather delay pushed back kick-off. Quinones opened the scoring with a powerful strike before setting up Jimenez for the second. Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora also made history as one of the youngest players to start a World Cup knockout match. Mexico kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet and will now face the winner of England vs DR Congo in the Round of 16.