Co-hosts Mexico finally ended four decades FIFA World Cup heartbroken with a clinical 2-0 victory over Ecuador in their last 16 clash on Tuesday, securing their first win in the knockout stages of the tournament since 1986.Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez in the first half proved to be enough for Javier Aguirre’s side to secure a place in the round of 16, where they will face the winners of the clash between England and DR Congo. The victory also ended Mexico’s unwanted streak of eight consecutive knockout stage eliminations, the longest such streak in World Cup history.The match, which was delayed by an hour due to heavy rain and lightning, was only the second match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be disrupted by bad weather.
A first-half blitz ends decades of frustration
Mexico wasted little time asserting themselves after the kick-off and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Quiñones capitalized on a defensive error to give the hosts the lead.The momentum remained firmly with El Tri, and just nine minutes later veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead with a composed finish, putting Mexico in complete control before the break.The result marked Mexico’s first knockout stage win since defeating Bulgaria in the round of 16 during the 1986 World Cup on home soil. Since then, El Tri have suffered seven consecutive round of 16 exits between 1994 and 2018 before completing a group stage elimination in Qatar 2022.
Records are being broken as Mexico marches on
Ecuador enjoyed more possession after the restart and looked for a way back into the contest, but Mexico’s disciplined defense held firm to keep out another goal. Ecuador’s frustrations were compounded deep into stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapié was sent off.The victory was Mexico’s fourth in a row at the tournament and extended their impressive run without conceding a goal, underscoring their credentials as one of the strongest sides remaining in the competition.Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora also made history. At 17 years and 259 days, he became the second-youngest player ever to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match, behind only Brazilian legend Pelé, who did so at 17 years and 239 days during the 1958 World Cup.Jiménez, meanwhile, added another milestone to his remarkable career. At 35 years and 56 days, he became the oldest Mexican player to score in a World Cup knockout game and the first Mexican in his 30s to find the back of the net in the knockout rounds of the tournament.With history finally on their side, Mexico will now look to make the most of home advantage as they chase an even bigger run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
