Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Ecuador 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, ending a 40-year wait for a victory in the tournament’s knockout stage.

Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez in the first half secured the hosts’ place in the last 16, where they will face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The victory marked Mexico’s first World Cup knockout win since the 1986 tournament, which they also hosted.

The match began an hour later than scheduled after severe weather and lightning risks delayed kick-off in Mexico City. Once play got underway, Mexico quickly settled into the contest and made their attacking intent clear before a packed home crowd.

Quiñones opened the scoring with a well-worked move before Jiménez doubled the advantage with a powerful finish later in the first half. Ecuador attempted to respond after the break and created several opportunities, but Mexico’s defence remained organised to preserve the clean sheet.

Seventeen-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora also attracted attention with a composed display, becoming the youngest player to start a World Cup match since Pelé. His performance highlighted the growing confidence within the Mexican squad as they maintained control for much of the evening.

The victory represents an important achievement for Mexico, who had repeatedly fallen short in the first knockout round across recent World Cup tournaments. Backed by more than 80,000 supporters at the Azteca, the co-hosts produced one of their strongest displays of the competition to keep alive hopes of a deep run on home soil.