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Mexico Beats Ecuador 2-0 at Home to Reach World Cup Round of 16
Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 in a round-of-32 match at Estadio Azteca. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals before more than 80,000 fans. The result ended a 40-year absence from World Cup knockout victories.
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Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to reach the World Cup round of 16. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals that secured the team's first knockout-stage victory in 40 years. The match drew more than 80,000 spectators to the stadium, which sits about 2,200 meters above sea level.
Mexico improved its record at Estadio Azteca to 69 wins, 17 draws and 2 losses in 88 competitive matches and extended a nine-game unbeaten streak in World Cup games played in Mexico City. Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre said after the match that the result stood out because of the home support. "I believe yes because of the connection with the fans," Aguirre said.
"We've had great victories, but none like this one, because we were at home with our fans doing as they do, they left their hearts out there. " Estadio Azteca is the first venue to host three World Cup openers. It previously staged the 1970 semifinal between Italy and West Germany and the match in which Diego Maradona scored the "Hand of God" goal.
Mexico has recorded two shutout wins at the stadium during the 2026 tournament. The team will play its round-of-16 match at Estadio Azteca on July 5 against the winner of England versus Congo DR.
