MEXICO CITY / EuroWire / – Mexico advanced to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday. The co-host beat Ecuador 2-0 at Mexico City Stadium. Julián Quiñones scored in the 22nd minute. Raúl Jiménez added the second goal nine minutes later.
The win sent Mexico through from the Round of 32 in front of more than 80,000 fans. It also ended a long knockout-stage drought. Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout match since its 1986 victory over Bulgaria on home soil.
Mexico took control before halftime with a fast and direct attack. Roberto Alvarado set up Quiñones for the opener. Jiménez then combined with Quiñones before finishing from the edge of the area. It was Jiménez’s 47th goal for Mexico.
First-half goals decide contest
Thunderstorms delayed kickoff by about an hour. Mexico still started with pace and created early pressure. Jiménez headed wide before the opening goal. Ecuador also had a first-half chance when John Yeboah forced goalkeeper Raúl Rangel into a save before the break.
Ecuador held more of the ball after halftime but did not score. FIFA listed Mexico with 15 attempts and Ecuador with seven. Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié received a late red card. Mexico kept a fourth straight clean sheet at the tournament.
Ecuador exit ends campaign
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre also used 17-year-old Gilberto Mora in midfield. Mora started before leaving to a standing ovation. Ecuador ended its campaign in the Round of 32. Sebastián Beccacece said after the match that his contract as Ecuador coach ended with the World Cup.
Mexico will next face England in the Round of 16 after England beat Congo DR 2-1. The match keeps Mexico in Mexico City for another knockout game. The result also keeps the co-host unbeaten and without a goal conceded at the FIFA World Cup 2026.