Mexico defeats Ecuador 2-0 to reach World Cup last 16, ending 40-year knockout drought
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored first-half goals as co-hosts Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca, securing their first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup since 1986.
Storm delay and first-half goals
The round-of-32 match at Estadio Azteca was delayed by at least 30 minutes because of storms in the area, pushing back the scheduled 1900 local time kick-off. Once underway, Mexico took control quickly. Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the first half, and Raul Jimenez added a second goal before the interval, giving the hosts a comfortable lead they would not relinquish.
- Kick-off delayed at least 30 minutes due to storms in the Mexico City area
- Julian Quinones puts Mexico ahead with his third goal of the tournament
- Raul Jimenez doubles the lead before half-time
- Mexico win 2-0 and advance to the round of 16
Quinones carries the attack
Julian Quinones has been central to Mexico's campaign. The Colombian-born forward scored his third goal of the tournament with a powerful finish into the top corner. He had previously found the net in the group stage against South Africa and the Czech Republic, and he helped stretch South Korea in a tense 1-0 win in Guadalajara.
We have more to do, work harder so people can be happier.
The 29-year-old built his career in Liga MX, winning titles with Atlas and Club America. He chose to represent Mexico over Colombia, saying in a 2023 interview that he did not even read a letter from the Colombian federation. His performances have turned him into the player Mexico fans look to for answers as the co-hosts try to push beyond the last-16 ceiling that has defined their modern World Cup history.
Presidential praise
The victory sparked celebrations across the country, with President Claudia Sheinbaum joining in on social media.
They played with heart, with soul and with pride. Today our national team gave us an unforgettable joy and showed that we must never stop believing in Mexico.
She thanked the players for defending the national colours with passion and for uniting the nation in celebration, adding a rallying cry: "May the goal cry continue to ring out loud! Long live Mexico!"
What comes next
Mexico advance to the round of 16 and will face the winner of the match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and England on Sunday, again at the Azteca. The team has yet to concede a goal in four matches, the only side at the tournament with a perfect defensive record. For a fanbase scarred by decades of early exits, the chant "¿Y si sí?" (What if?) is no longer rhetorical. It is a question the team appears ready to answer.
