World Cup 2026 | Mexico 2 - 0 Ecuador

Mexico cruised into the last 16 of the World Cup

This was a comfortable victory over Ecuador in a weather-delayed contest.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Azteca Stadium

Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez handed the co-hosts a commanding lead in an exhilarating first half, before they produced a composed display after the interval to secure their first knockout stage victory since 1986.

Manager Javier Aguirre's side will now remain in Mexico City for their last-16 tie.

A closer analysis as Mexican dreams stay alive

A thunderstorm in the Mexican capital delayed kick-off by an hour, but once the skies cleared Ecuador struggled to cope with both the fervent atmosphere and a home side who burst out of the blocks.

Mexico created four chances inside the opening 10 minutes and, although John Yeboah struck the woodwork for Ecuador, they were second best throughout the opening period and unable to live with Mexico's intensity across the pitch.

It was one of Mexico's most impressive starts to a World Cup match since the 1966 tournament in terms of chances created, and their passionate support were soon celebrating the breakthrough.

Colombia-born winger Quinones surged down the left, cut inside and rifled an unstoppable finish beyond Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez into the roof of the net.

It was Quinones' third goal of the tournament and he soon turned provider, with Wolves forward Jimenez curling into the top corner after ruthlessly punishing a mistake by Ecuador centre-back Joel Ordonez on the edge of his own penalty area.

Sebastian Beccacece's side improved after the break, but Gonzalo Plata's flick wide was the closest they came to reducing the deficit.

An already disappointing evening for Ecuador ended on a sour note when, with the contest effectively over, Piero Hincapie became only the second player at this tournament, after Paraguay's Miguel Almiron, to be sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during stoppage time.