TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory after defeating Ecuador 2-0 at Estadio Azteca on Tuesday, advancing to the Round of 16 of the 2026 tournament in front of an energized home crowd.
The co-hosts secured victory through first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, producing a commanding display that extended their impressive run on home soil.
Kickoff was delayed by one hour because of thunderstorms around the stadium, but the interruption did little to affect the atmosphere as thousands of Mexican supporters packed Estadio Azteca.
Mexico immediately seized control after the match finally got underway, dominating possession and creating repeated chances before Quiñones broke the deadlock. Jiménez doubled the advantage nine minutes later, leaving Ecuador with little opportunity to recover.
As reported by ESPN, the victory marked Mexico's first World Cup knockout-stage win since defeating Bulgaria 2-0 at the same stadium during the 1986 World Cup, the last time the country hosted the tournament.
The result also snapped a disappointing run of seven consecutive eliminations at the first knockout hurdle, although Mexico are still chasing their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1986.
Javier Aguirre's side will now remain at Estadio Azteca to face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Round of 16 on Sunday.
Mexico's dominance throughout the tournament has been built on a solid defense. The clean sheet against Ecuador meant the co-hosts became only the fourth team in World Cup history to win their opening four matches without conceding a goal.
Estadio Azteca has once again proved a formidable venue for the Mexican national team. The victory improved Mexico's competitive home record at the iconic stadium to 70 wins from 89 matches while extending their unbeaten run in World Cup matches played in Mexico City to 10 games.
Ecuador entered the knockout stage with confidence after stunning Germany in the final group match but struggled to threaten Mexico throughout the contest.
According to The Athletic, Mexico remained comfortable after halftime and closed out the match without facing serious pressure from Ecuador, whose frustrations grew as the game progressed.
The South American side finished the match with 10 men after defender Piero Hincapié received a red card deep into stoppage time for covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opponent, an offense punishable under the competition's updated disciplinary regulations.
Mexico will now continue their bid for a long-awaited return to the World Cup quarterfinals, while Ecuador's campaign ends after a promising group stage failed to translate into success in the knockout rounds.
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