Mexico 2-0 Ecuador Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Clinical Mexico reach R16, Ecuador knocked out

Mexico booked their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 with a convincing 2-0 win over Ecuador on Tuesday, securing their first knockout-stage victory at the tournament in 40 years in front of a jubilant home crowd.

After a one-hour delay due to adverse weather conditions around the Azteca Stadium, the co-hosts settled quickly and struck twice in the opening half to take complete control of the Round of 32 encounter.

Mexico took the lead in the 22nd minute through forward Julian Quinones, who produced a sharp individual effort. Receiving the ball on the left, Quinones drove into the penalty area before beating the goalkeeper at the near post with a powerful finish.

The hosts doubled their advantage less than 10 minutes later with a well-worked move involving the same attacker. Quinones combined neatly with Raul Jimenez in a quick one-two before Jimenez unleashed a clinical finish into the top-right corner to make it 2-0.

Ecuador enjoyed more of the ball after the break and attempted to force their way back into the contest, but struggled to create meaningful openings against a disciplined Mexican defence.

Mexico remained organised throughout the second half and preserved their perfect defensive record at this year’s tournament, extending their run without conceding a goal.

Ecuador’s frustrating evening ended on a sour note in stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapie was shown a red card.

The result sends Mexico into the last 16, where they will return to the Azteca Stadium on Sunday to face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a place in the quarter-finals.

Javier Aguirre's Mexico have won their first knockout stage game in the FIFA World Cup in 40 years.

And it is a clinical victory as they sniff out all the Ecuadorian attacks.

Ecuador kept getting cranky and cranky as they searched for their first goal. And Mexico on the other hand kept getting better and better with their defence.

Mexico will face either England or DR Congo in the Round of 16, but that does not matter now. Now, they just rejoice.

Mexico have done it. The co-hosts make it to the Round of 16 without conceding a single goal.

Sensational run for Mexico into the pre-quarterfinals.

Ecuador, after making it to the knockouts for the first time in 20 years get knocked out in Round of 32.

90+4'

Is that a red card?

Hincapie speaks with his mouth covered while confronting one of the Mexican players. And that is a red! Ecuador's night keeps getting worse.

That is a frustrating way to leave the pitch.

Mexico winger Alvarado walks off the pitch gingerly, and gets substituted. Mexico have made all of their 5 changes, replacing the entire forward line.

Ecuador continue to search for that goal, but it is simply not coming.

A late goal will open the game up in the final few moments, but that first goal is simply not coming.

Ecuador goalkeeper Galindez keeps the team in the fight by pulling off a very big save in the 66th minute of the game.

Meanwhile, Mexico make two more changes to their line-up. Mercurial striker Raul Jimenez goes out after putting in a top shift.

Ecuador meanwhile continue to show their attacking flair, but the goal is simply not coming.

Ecuador are playing some really good football, creating chances inside the opposition box. But that final ball, once it reaches the centre of the box, they are unable to finish the chance.

This would be frustrating for the Ecuadorian side, who are playing some splendid football in the midfield.

Ecuador make their first change of the match as Angelo Preciado replaces Joel Ordonez in a bid to spark a comeback.

Miss! Roberto Alvarado tries his luck for Mexico, but his shot flies off target. Ecuador escape without any damage as the score stays 2-0.

Mexico head into the break with one foot in the Round of 16 after a dominant first-half display. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez have given the hosts a deserved 2-0 lead, while Ecuador face a huge task in the second half if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

45+3': Yellow card! Alan Franco goes into the referee's book after a late challenge, becoming Ecuador's first player to be cautioned. The midfielder is unhappy with the decision, but he will now have to tread carefully for the rest of the match.

45+1': Miss! Raul Jimenez goes in search of his second goal, but this time his effort sails well off target. Ecuador survive the scare as the score stays 2-0, with the chance never troubling the goalkeeper.

40': Ecuador have a corner after John Yeboah's effort takes a deflection behind. It is a rare chance for the visitors to test Mexico's defence and try to find a way back into the contest.

38': Quiñones brings down Moises Caicedo to hand Ecuador a free-kick, but it is well away from Mexico's goal. With no immediate danger, the hosts should be confident of clearing the delivery and keeping their two-goal cushion intact.

31': Raul Jimenez punished Ecuador for a costly mistake to put Mexico firmly in control. The veteran striker intercepted a loose pass out from the back and fed Julian Quinones before continuing his run into the box. Quinones returned the favour with a perfectly timed pass, and Jimenez made no mistake, calmly slotting home to double El Tri's advantage. Ecuador need something special to turn the knockout clash around.

29': Mexico win a free-kick after Enner Valencia brings down Roberto Alvarado. Ecuador won't be too concerned, though, as the foul comes a long way from goal and poses little immediate danger.

24': Mexico's backline has looked rock solid in the opening stages, staying organised and dealing comfortably with every Ecuador attack. So far, the hosts have given their opponents very little room to create anything dangerous.

22': Julian QUINONES (Mexico) scores!! Mexico finally have the breakthrough! Julian Quinones keeps his cool and buries the chance to spark wild celebrations inside the stadium. Ecuador are caught cold, and all of a sudden they have a mountain to climb. The game has come to life, and the noise is deafening.

19': Jesus Gallardo is penalised for bringing down John Yeboah, handing Ecuador a free-kick. The foul breaks Mexico's rhythm, but the set-piece is deep inside Ecuador's own half and poses no immediate threat to the hosts.

15': Wasteful from Mexico! Gilberto Mora has a glorious chance to test the goalkeeper but gets it all wrong, blazing his effort comfortably wide. Ecuador breathe a huge sigh of relief as another promising Mexico attack comes to nothing.

12': Erik Lira wins Mexico a valuable free-kick after drawing a clumsy challenge from Nilson Angulo. It is a dangerous position, exactly the kind of opportunity Mexico have been waiting for. Can they finally make this pressure count?