Mexico oust Ecuador for 1st World Cup knockout win in 40 years

Julian Quinones scored one goal and set up another as Mexico reached the World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Ecuador.

Quinones put his side ahead following a swift counterattack, and he then provided the pass for Raul Jimenez to double the lead.

Gilberto Mora (L) of Mexico vies with Willian Pacho of Ecuador during the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico, June 30, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

It marked Mexico's first victory in the World Cup knockout stage since it last hosted the tournament in 1986.

El Tri will now play either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Mexico City on July 5.

Buoyed by its raucous home fans, Mexico began with blistering intensity at a sold-out Mexico City Stadium.

Much of its early attacking play went through the right channel, where 17-year-old Gilberto Mora and Roberto Alvarado were causing problems for Ecuador's defense.

Mora fired over in the fifth minute and Luis Romo saw an ambitious shot from distance sail into the stands.

Mexico almost opened the scoring when Mora raced to the byline and crossed for Jimenez, who directed a diving header just wide.

Mora also drifted to the left and his shot from a tight angle flew the wrong side of the post.

Ecuador's first meaningful chance came through John Yeboah, who charged into the box and fired a shot against the woodwork after good buildup play from Gonzalo Plata.

But Mexico continued to menace Ecuador's defense. The hosts took the lead in the 22nd minute when Jesus Gallardo combined with Quinones, who broke down the left and cut inside before rifling a shot that beat goalkeeper Hernan Galindez at his near post.

Quinones was again involved nine minutes later, capitalizing on Joel Ordonez's scuffed clearance and exchanging passes with Jimenez, whose powerful shot left Galindez with no chance.

Yeboah was proving a lively presence on the right wing and he opened up Mexico's defense with a darting run before curling a dangerous effort that forced a diving save from goalkeeper Raul Rangel.

Ecuador had more of the possession after halftime as Mexico appeared content to sit back and protect its lead.

The introduction of Yaimar Medina and Angelo Preciado gave Ecuador more purpose moving forward, though clear chances were scarce.

While less dynamic than in the first half, Mexico continued to threaten when it did venture into the final third.

Alvarado failed to get a clean shot away after Brian Gutierrez broke clear on the counterattack. Cesar Montes then forced two sharp saves in as many minutes with goal-bound headers.

Ecuador was reduced to 10 men in the 95th minute when Piero Hincapie was shown a straight red card for covering his mouth in a discussion with Santiago Gimenez.