Co-hosts Mexico finally ended four decades FIFA World Cup The side capped off a clinical 2-0 victory over Ecuador in their round of 32 clash on Tuesday, securing their first win in the knockout stages of the tournament since 1986.Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez in the first half were enough for Javier Aguirre’s side to book a place in the Round of 16, where they will face the winners of the England-DR Congo clash. The win also snapped Mexico’s unwanted streak of eight consecutive eliminations in the knockout stage, the longest in World Cup history.The match, delayed by an hour due to rain and lightning, was only the second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be disrupted by severe weather.
The first half blitz ends decades of frustration
Mexico wasted little time asserting themselves after the kickoff and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Quiñones capitalized on a defensive error to give the hosts the lead.The momentum stayed firmly with El Tri, and just nine minutes later veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead with a composed finish, putting Mexico in complete control before the break.The result marked Mexico’s first knockout stage victory since defeating Bulgaria in the Round of 16 during the 1986 World Cup at home. Since then, El Tri have suffered seven round of 16 defeats between 1994 and 2018 before suffering a group stage elimination in Qatar 2022.
Memories fall as Mexico moves forward
Ecuador enjoyed more possession after the restart and looked for a way back into the contest, but Mexico’s disciplined defense held firm to preserve another clean sheet. Ecuador’s frustrations were compounded in stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapié was sent off.The win was Mexico’s fourth straight win of the tournament and extended their impressive run without conceding a goal, underlining their credentials as one of the strongest sides remaining in the competition.Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora also created history. At the age of 17 years and 259 days, he became the second-youngest player ever to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match, behind only Brazilian legend Pelé, who achieved the feat at 17 years and 239 days during the 1958 World Cup.Jiménez, meanwhile, added another step to his remarkable career. At 35 years and 56 days of age, he became the oldest Mexican player to score in a World Cup knockout game and the first Mexican in his 30s to find the back of the net in the tournament’s knockout rounds.With history finally on their side, Mexico will now look to capitalize on home advantage as they chase an even deeper run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.