Mexico beat Ecuador to reach World Cup last 16

Mexico turned a storm-delayed night in Mexico City into a celebration, beating Ecuador 2-0 to reach the World Cup round of 16 with their perfect defensive record intact.

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in the first half Tuesday at Mexico City Stadium, where the co-hosts advanced after a match delayed for one hour by heavy rain and lightning. The game had been scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. local time.

Mexico will face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Sunday in the last 16, again at the same venue. The Guardian reported that Mexico City will have one more chance to cheer the team in the next round, with a possible meeting against England awaiting if results fall that way.

The win continued a dominant run for Mexico. The Guardian reported that the team has won seven consecutive matches and 10 of 12 in 2026. Mexico has also kept 10 clean sheets in that stretch, including four in a row at this World Cup. Through four matches in the tournament, the co-hosts have four wins and have not conceded a goal.

The Guardian noted that Mexico are set to become the first team since Italy in 1990 to win their first four matches at a World Cup without allowing a goal.

Ecuador, who had entered the tournament after finishing second in South American qualifying, were unable to turn possession and set pieces into a comeback. The Guardian described Ecuador as fortunate to finish third in their group phase and said they were “soundly beaten” in Mexico City.

Mexico’s defense absorbed pressure after halftime as Ecuador pushed forward. The Guardian reported that Ecuador dominated the ball in the middle third for stretches but struggled to move the Mexican defense out of shape. Ecuador won multiple corners, but Mexico repeatedly cleared the danger.

There were chances at both ends. Ecuador’s Rodriguez chested down a long ball in the 75th minute, got between defenders and poked a shot wide after challenging Mexico goalkeeper Rangel. Earlier in the second half, Ecuador goalkeeper Galindez made a point-blank save to deny a Montes header from a corner, and Montes later headed another similar chance wide.

Mexico made late changes after Jimenez and Romo were replaced by Gimenez and Vargas, while Pineda and Reyes also came on. Ecuador introduced Paez and Jordy Caicedo for Yeboah and Angulo, and Rodriguez replaced Valencia.

The match ended with Ecuador down to 10 men. Al Jazeera reported that Piero Hincapie was sent off in the fifth minute of stoppage time for covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opposition player. The Guardian reported that Gimenez argued an Ecuadorian player had abused him while covering his mouth, and that replays showed Hincapie doing so. Paez was also booked in stoppage time for a frustrated swipe in midfield, according to The Guardian.

At the final whistle, Mexico’s players celebrated with the home crowd. The Guardian reported that joy spread through the stadium as the players gathered with supporters, danced and chanted, with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora among those at the front of the celebration.

Mexico now carry their winning streak and defensive form into the knockout rounds. Ecuador’s tournament is over.