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Mexico secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scoring first-half goals in front of a jubilant home crowd at Mexico City Stadium.
The hosts, whose kick-off was delayed by an hour because of severe weather, took control early and never relinquished it, setting up a potential last-16 clash with either England or DR Congo.
Ecuador threatened first when John Yeboah struck the post, but Mexico responded in emphatic fashion in the 22nd minute. Roberto Alvarado delivered a precise pass to Quiñones, who unleashed a powerful finish for his third goal of the tournament.
Mexico doubled their advantage nine minutes later after Quiñones turned provider. The striker teed up veteran forward Raúl Jiménez, who finished clinically to leave Ecuador with a mountain to climb before half-time.
The second half saw Ecuador dominate possession in search of a route back into the contest, but Javier Aguirre’s side defended resolutely and restricted the South Americans to few clear-cut opportunities.
Kevin Rodríguez came closest for Ecuador when he brought down a long pass superbly before dragging his effort just wide, while Moisés Caicedo also fired narrowly off target from outside the penalty area.
Mexico almost added a third late on through a swift counter-attack, but Caicedo recovered well to deny Orbelín Pineda after Santiago Giménez’s through ball.
Ecuador’s frustrations boiled over in stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapié was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for violent conduct after an off-the-ball confrontation. Kendry Páez was also booked moments earlier as the South Americans finished the match with 10 men.
The victory means Mexico continue their impressive defensive run, having conceded only six shots on target across four matches at the tournament. Their disciplined display, combined with clinical finishing in the opening half, ensured safe passage into the knockout stage as Ecuador exited the competition.
Mexico will now await the winner of the Round of 32 tie between England and DR Congo for a place in the quarter-finals.
