Mexico continued their stunning World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium, booking their place in the last 16 with a perfect group-stage record.

The Match

Lightning and rain delayed kick-off by an hour in Mexico City, but once the game started, there was only one team in it. Mexico came roaring out of the blocks and never let up.

Julian Quinones opened the scoring with a blistering strike that gave the Ecuador goalkeeper no chance. The 29-year-old striker, who plays for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, has now scored three goals in four games at this tournament.

Raul Jimenez doubled the lead before half-time, and Ecuador’s task became even harder when Piero Hincapie was sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent — the second player at this World Cup to receive a red card for the same offence.

Mexico’s Remarkable Record

The numbers behind Mexico’s campaign are extraordinary:

  • Four games, four wins at the 2026 World Cup
  • Eight goals scored, zero conceded
  • Only six shots on target faced in four matches
  • 70 wins from 89 competitive games at the Azteca, with just two defeats
  • Unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the stadium

Breaking the ‘Quinto Partido’ Curse

For Mexico fans, this victory carried extra meaning. The country had famously been eliminated in their fourth World Cup match at every tournament from 1994 to 2018 — a streak known as ‘quinto partido’ (the fifth game) because they could never reach it.

In 2022, they failed to even get out of the group. Now they have not only reached the fifth game but are dreaming of going much further.

Star Players Shining

Quinones has been the breakout star of Mexico’s tournament. The striker has combined clinical finishing with tireless work rate, giving defenders nightmares throughout the group stage.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora made history by becoming the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind only Pele in 1958. The teenager’s composure on the biggest stage has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.

Jimenez’s journey has been equally remarkable. The Wolves striker overcame a serious skull injury suffered in 2020 to become a key figure in Mexico’s World Cup run.

What’s Next: England or DR Congo?

Mexico now await the winners of England vs DR Congo in the last 16. The match would take place at the Azteca — a prospect that strikes fear into any visiting team.

Former Australia and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, working as a pundit for ITV, gave a stark warning: “If it is England going down to Mexico, it is going to be like stepping into a different World Cup for them.”

Mexico fans are already daring to dream. “We have the chance to do the impossible,” one supporter told the BBC. With the whole nation behind them and a fortress stadium to protect, few would bet against them.

What to Watch

  • England vs DR Congo takes place later on Wednesday — the winner faces Mexico
  • Mexico’s last-16 match will be at the Azteca, where they are unbeaten in World Cup history
  • Quinones will be the danger man whoever they face, with three goals already in the tournament