On July 1, Mexico City time, Mexico played Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca, securing their spot in the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The last time Mexico won a match in the World Cup knockout stage was during the 1986 tournament, when they reached the quarterfinals by defeating Bulgaria 2-0. Since then, Mexico has made it to the Round of 16 seven consecutive times from the 1994 World Cup in the United States to the 2018 tournament in Russia, but they were eliminated in the first knockout round each time.
In this tournament, Mexico has shown impressive form, winning all three of their group stage matches, including a 1-0 victory over South Korea, a 2-0 win against South Africa, and a 3-0 triumph over the Czech Republic, finishing first in Group A. They have maintained a strong defensive record, achieving four consecutive matches without conceding a goal leading up to the Ecuador match.
Having secured their place in the Round of 16, Mexico will face the winner of the match between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 6 at 9 a.m. at the same venue.
In a match that kicked off an hour late due to inclement weather and lightning risks, Mexico took control early on. The first goal came in the 22nd minute when Roberto Alvarado played a ball into space for Julián Quiñones, who maneuvered past a defender in the penalty area and scored with a right-footed shot.
Mexico doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Raúl Jiménez intercepted a cleared ball and exchanged passes with Quiñones before scoring from the center of the penalty box with another right-footed shot.
Ecuador, making their first knockout stage appearance in 20 years since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, was unable to find the back of the net. They sought a late goal but struggled with finishing.
Adding to their woes, Ecuador's defender Piero Incapie was sent off in stoppage time after being caught on video using his hands to cover his mouth while confronting Mexico's Santiago Giménez. A new rule implemented in this tournament mandates an immediate red card for such actions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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