Mexico secured its first World Cup knockout-stage victory in 40 years with a 2-0 win over Ecuador on Tuesday at Estadio Azteca. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored first-half goals to propel the co-hosts into the round of 16, ending a long-standing curse that had seen Mexico eliminated in the knockout rounds since 1986.
The match, delayed by an hour due to electrical storms, saw Mexico dominate from the start, with Quiñones opening the scoring in the 22nd minute with a thunderous strike. Jiménez doubled the lead nine minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive error by Ecuador. The Mexican defense held firm in the second half, ensuring the victory.
Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece announced his departure after the match, acknowledging his team's failure to meet expectations. Despite a strong group-stage performance, including a comeback win over Germany, Ecuador struggled to overcome Mexico's early pressure. Beccacece praised his players but admitted the defeat marked the end of his tenure.
Mexico will now face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 16, with the match set to take place at Estadio Azteca. The victory has sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans taking to the streets in Mexico City and beyond.
Meanwhile, global football analysts, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, have lauded Mexico's performance, calling it the best of the tournament so far. The win has shifted perceptions of Mexico as a legitimate contender, breaking decades of disappointment in the knockout stages.