Mexico defeats Ecuador 2-0 to advance to World Cup 2026 last 16

Mexico ended a 40‑year drought for a knockout‑stage win at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, defeating Ecuador 2‑0 to advance to the round of 16. The victory, secured by goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, marked the first time El Tri had progressed beyond the group stage since the 1986 tournament they hosted.

The match, played at the Estadio Azteca, saw Mexico dominate possession and create multiple chances, while Ecuador struggled to find a foothold. Quiñones opened the scoring with a well‑placed finish in the 28th minute, and Jiménez doubled the lead in the 61st minute after a swift counter‑attack. Ecuador’s attempts to respond were thwarted by a disciplined Mexican defense and a timely goal‑keeping performance.

With this win, Mexico moves into the last 16, where they will face the winner of Group G. The result restores confidence to the squad and their supporters, who had long awaited a breakthrough in the tournament’s knockout rounds.