After a one-hour delay caused by thunderstorms in Mexico City, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between tournament co-host Mexico and Ecuador finally kicked off at Azteca Stadium. Mexico secured a comfortable 2–0 victory to advance to the Round of 16.
Mexico took control of the game in the first half and effectively sealed the win before the break. In the 22nd minute, Julián Quiñones opened the scoring with a superb strike into the bottom corner. Nine minutes later, Quiñones turned provider, setting up Raúl Jiménez, who finished brilliantly in the 31st minute to double Mexico's lead. El Tri headed into halftime with a commanding 2–0 advantage.
In the second half, Mexico focused primarily on controlling possession and neutralizing Ecuador's attacks, while still looking for opportunities to extend their lead. Before the midway point of the half, the hosts came close to a third goal, but two consecutive headers failed to find the net.
Ecuador pushed forward in the closing stages in a desperate attempt to keep their World Cup campaign alive, but they were unable to break through Mexico's defense.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Ecuador left-back Piero Hincapié was sent off for covering his mouth with his hand while speaking to an opposing player.
With the victory, Mexico booked their place in the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the match between England and Congo on 5th July.
