Mexico 2-0 Ecuador - World Cup result as co-hosts win first knockout match in 40 years to set up potential clash with England

Mexico continued their perfect start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium to reach the round of 16.

El Tri will now face either England or DR Congo for a quarter-final spot, at the Azteca Stadium on July 6.

First-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez were enough for victory, as Mexico won their first FIFA World Cup knockout match for 40 years.

Mexico started the match very brightly after kick-off was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, almost taking the lead after just seven minutes, with Raul Jimenez going close.

Luis Romo had been played through down the right-hand side, before whipping a fizzing cross to the back post for Jimenez, but the striker could not keep his header on target.

Gilberto Mora thought he had opened the scoring 10 minutes later, with his vicious strike whistling just past the post.

Mora, 17, made history by becoming the second-youngest player to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match, behind only the legendary Pele.

The electric pace that the match started with continued throughout the first half and Ecuador almost scored with their first attack.

The South American side broke from deep, eventually working the ball to John Yeboah in the box, who unleashed a strike that rattled the post.

It was Mexico who opened the scoring, raising the decibel levels inside the Azteca through the roof.

Quinones was played through on goal, before unleashing a fizzing strike into the top corner, for his third goal of the tournament.

Jimenez doubled the hosts’ lead after 31 minutes with his second strike of the tournament.

The Wolves striker was gifted the ball by Joel Ordonez, before playing a one-two with Quinones and whipping it right into the top corner.

Ecuador fought back in the second half, dominating the ball, but Mexico defended resolutely, pushed on by their home support.

Despite Ecuador’s second-half dominance, Mexico almost made it three with around 20 minutes to play, with Cesar Montes’ header tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper.

Frustrations boiled over for Ecuador in added time at the end of the match, with Piero Hincapie sent off for covering his mouth when speaking to an opponent.

The Arsenal defender becomes the second player at the tournament to be sent off for that offence, with Miguel Almiron receiving the same punishment for Paraguay.

Ecuador will head home, while Mexico will find out tomorrow who they will face in the round of 16.

If England can overcome DR Congo tomorrow in Atlanta, then they will face a trip to the Azteca to face Mexico in the round of 16, with the fixture taking place on Sunday 6th July.

The atmosphere inside Mexico's iconic stadium was electric against Ecuador and drove El Tri forward, particularly in the first half as they blitzed Ecuador.

The 80,000 seater stadium provides bad memories for England, who were beaten there by Argentina 2-1 in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, with the match infamous for the 'hand of God' goal scored by Diego Maradona.

If England can beat DR Congo, then it does not get much bigger than facing co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium...

Mexico continue their perfect record at the FIFA 2026 World Cup, having won all four games they have played without conceding.

El Tri overcame a huge hurdle by beating Ecuador, recording their first knockout victory at the FIFA World Cup in a whopping 40 years, much to the delight of the home crowd.

They couldn't go all the way, could they?

Moises Caicedo is booked for a late tackle.

Following a VAR review, Hincapie is shown a red card for covering his mouth when speaking to an opponent.

The Arsenal defender looks bemused with the decision.

Paez is shown a yellow card for a late tackle.

Pineda curls a brilliant strike just wide of the post.

Enough time for a late comeback?

The atmosphere is getting more and more tense inside the Azteca as the minutes left in the match tick down.

How much added time will there be?

Ecuador are throwing everything at Mexico, but are not creating any real chances.

The defending has been fantastic from El Tri.

Kendry Paez and Jordy Caicedo replace Yeboah and Angulo for Ecuador.

Quinones and Alvarado are replaced by Pineda and Reyes for Mexico.

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Rodriguez is played in behind and takes the ball down with his chest, but can't direct his shot on target.

Jimenez and Romo are replaced by Vargas and Gimenez.

Just over 20 minutes to go.

Can Mexico hold on?

Montes almost makes it three! The defender meets Alvarado's corner twice in a row, with his first header saved and his second flying just wide of the post.

The crowd have not let up, but Mexico are starting to lose energy, with Ecuador seeing the majority of the ball in the last 10 minutes or so.