Mexico Hosts Ecuador in World Cup Round of 32 Match

m. ET in a round of 32 match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The game is the second World Cup meeting between the sides after Mexico won their 2002 group stage encounter 2-1. Mexico finished the group stage with three wins and no goals conceded, closing with a 3-0 victory over Czechia.

Ecuador scored its first goal of the tournament in a final group stage win over Germany after failing to score in its opening two matches.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said the short turnaround between matches affects both teams equally. He noted the squad's age range spans 17 to 23 and described the younger players as fearless and optimistic. Aguirre rested midfielder Erik Lira in the final group match and started 17-year-old Gilberto Mora.

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said travel delays affected preparations. The team enters with a healthy defensive unit that includes Moises Caicedo, Willian Pacho and Piero Hinacapie. The sides have drawn their last three meetings. Recent results show both teams scoring late in group play after earlier defensive showings.

The match airs on Fox in English and Telemundo in Spanish.

Live streaming is available on Fubo. Betting odds list Mexico at -178, a draw at +125 and Ecuador at +146. Mexico predicted lineup: Jose Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Gilberto Mora; Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones.

Ecuador predicted lineup: Hernan Galindez; Alan Franco, Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie; John Yeboah, Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Nilson Angulo; Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata.