Mexico Downs Ecuador to End 40-Year Knockout Drought Sport By lines July 1, 2026 Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 at Estadio Azteca on June 30, 2026, to reach the World Cup round of 16. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored inside 31 minutes for Mexico. El Tri Break a Knockout Curse Four Decades Old Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, cutting inside before finishing into the top corner. Raul Jimenez doubled the Mexico lead in the 31st minute after a Joel Ordonez error. Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout match since 1986, a span of 40 years. Mexico last hosted the World Cup in 1986, the tournament that produced the previous knockout victory. Mexico co-hosts the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. Estadio Azteca has now staged Mexico knockout wins in both 1986 and 2026. The 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams and added a round of 32 knockout stage. Mexico reached the round of 16 by winning that new round of 32 tie 2-0. Raul Jimenez combined with Julian Quinones on a give and go before the second Mexico goal. Julian Quinones produced one goal and one assist against Ecuador on June 30. Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup on June 11 at Estadio Azteca as a host nation. Mexico won its round of 32 tie at Estadio Azteca on June 30. Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time after a confrontation with a Mexico opponent. Ecuador finished the June 30 match with 10 players and zero goals. Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece stepped down after the World Cup exit on June 30. Ecuador exited the 2026 World Cup at the round of 32 stage. France beat Sweden 3-0 and Norway edged Ivory Coast 2-1 in other June 30 round of 32 ties. The United States men face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026. Mexico advances to face England or DR Congo in the World Cup round of 16. England and DR Congo settle their round of 32 tie before the Mexico matchup locks in. Mexico now chases a first World Cup quarterfinal since 1986, again on home soil. Watch the England versus DR Congo result to confirm the Mexico round of 16 opponent. Related Sports Coverage Mbappe Sinks Sweden to Send France Into the Last 16 England vs DR Congo Odds and Prediction (2026) USA vs Bosnia Odds and Prediction (2026) Sources: ESPN, CBS Sports, and Al Jazeera match reports, June 30, 2026.
