El Tri End 40 Years of Hurt as Mexico March into Last 16 in Style
El Tri End 40 Years of Hurt as Mexico March into Last 16 in Style
Mexico delivered one of the most celebrated nights in their recent World Cup history on Tuesday, sweeping Ecuador aside 2-0 in front of a raucous home crowd at the Estadio Azteca to advance to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
El Tri put the tie to bed inside the first half, with Julián Quiñones breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute before Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead nine minutes later. It was a first half full of purpose and precision, with the home side playing with the swagger that 100,000 passionate supporters tend to inspire.
Ecuador, to their credit, finished with 57 per cent of possession but could do precious little with it, mustering just seven shots across the whole match, only one of which troubled the goalkeeper. For all their ball retention, they rarely looked like threatening and offered Mexico little to worry about after the interval.
The second half settled into a more controlled affair, with Mexico content to manage the game and protect their lead. The only real drama came at the death, when Ecuador's Piero Hincapié was shown a stoppage-time red card following a VAR review, with the defender appearing to direct comments at an opponent whilst covering his mouth. It was an unsavoury way to end the night for the Ecuadorians, though by that point the tie had long been decided.
For Mexico, this was a deeply significant win. El Tri ended a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage victory , and on home soil to boot. The Azteca faithful were understandably delirious at the final whistle, with players and supporters celebrating in style long after the final whistle.
Mexico will now face the winners of England and DR Congo in the next round, with that match to be played in Mexico City , meaning El Tri remain on home ground and with the backing of their passionate supporters firmly behind them.
As for Ecuador, they depart the tournament having made the knockouts, but on a night when they never once suggested they could go further. The co-hosts, by contrast, are very much alive – and just getting started.
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