July 1 (THEWILL) — Co-hosts Mexico booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday, producing a clinical first-half performance at Estadio Azteca.
Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez proved enough for El Tri, who absorbed Ecuador’s second-half pressure before comfortably seeing out the contest to continue their impressive tournament campaign.
Mexico struck first in the 22nd minute after capitalising on a quick counterattack. Quiñones reacted fastest to a loose ball and finished confidently past goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez to ignite the home crowd.
The hosts doubled their advantage just nine minutes later when Ecuador surrendered possession in a dangerous area. Veteran striker Jiménez seized the opportunity, calmly slotting home to put Mexico firmly in control before halftime.
Although Ecuador enjoyed 57 per cent possession, they struggled to turn territorial dominance into meaningful chances. The South Americans managed only seven shots throughout the contest and forced goalkeeper Raúl Rangel into just a single significant save.
Mexico remained organised defensively while continuing to threaten on the break, finishing with 15 attempts at goal compared to Ecuador’s seven.
Ecuador’s hopes of mounting a late comeback were effectively extinguished in stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapié was shown a red card, bringing a frustrating evening to a disappointing conclusion.
The victory sends Mexico into the Round of 16, where the co-hosts will face the winner of the clash between England and DR Congo at Estadio Azteca as they continue their pursuit of a memorable World Cup run on home soil.
