MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s dream 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign continues to gather momentum as the co-hosts etched their name into the record books by becoming the first team since Italy in 1990 to open the World Cup with four consecutive victories without conceding a single goal.Javier Aguirre’s side continued their unbeaten run with a convincing 2-0 win over Ecuador in the round of 16, ending a 40-year wait to win a World Cup knockout stage, extending their remarkable defensive run to four clean sheets.Mexico have now won all four of their games, scored eight goals and conceded none, emerging as one of the best teams in the tournament heading into the round of 16.
A historic start is rewriting the World Cup record books
The victory over Ecuador marked Mexico’s first knockout triumph at the World Cup since Bulgaria’s loss at the 1986 tournament on home soil. Since then, El Tri endured seven straight eliminations in the knockout rounds before finally ending the unwanted streak.The latest victory also created another piece of history, with Mexico becoming the first nation since Italy at the 1990 World Cup to start the tournament with four consecutive clean sheets. Italy played five consecutive clean sheets in that edition, and it will be interesting to see if Mexico can match it or not.Aguirre, who was part of Mexico’s 1986 squad and experienced several World Cup disappointments as a player and coach, admitted the result had special significance.It means a lot to me because I am one of those who could not advance in the knockout stage, said Aguirre. “We’re in the round of 16 and it’s happening with a great connection with the fans. We’re like a family. It’s spectacular.”
Quiñones and Jiménez lead another clinical presentation
After the start was pushed back an hour due to weather conditions, Mexico quickly settled into their rhythm.Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a powerful finish before nine minutes later he turned the ball past Raúl Jiménez, who doubled the lead with a composed strike.Quiñones, named man of the match, credited a collective effort rather than individual brilliance.“The most important thing today is teamwork,” he said. “You can stand out as an individual, but that’s only possible because of great team play. That’s our way of thinking. We have to keep fighting. That’s life: you fight and fight and fight until you get what you want. Thank you to everyone who supported us and believed in us.”Behind the attack, goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez again ensured Mexico remained unbeaten in defence, extending their clean sheet streak to four games.The co-hosts will now face the winner of the England-DR Congo clash in the Round of 16 as they look to continue their historic World Cup run on home soil.
