Mexico Dominates Ecuador 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, Securing Spot in World Cup Round of 16
Co-hosts Mexico continue their perfect run, advancing to the Round of 16 as the knockout stage intensifies with more crucial matchups today.
The story
Mexico delivered a commanding performance at their iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, defeating Ecuador 2-0 in a Round of 32 clash. The match, which saw a delayed kickoff due to adverse weather, witnessed Mexico seize control early on.
Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a powerful strike, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Just nine minutes later, Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico's lead in the 31st minute, converting an assist from Quiñones.
Ecuador struggled to find a foothold in the game, particularly after going down by two goals in the opening 35 minutes. Mexico maintained a professional defensive display throughout the second half, securing their first knockout stage victory since 1986 and extending their unbeaten streak at Estadio Azteca to 10 World Cup matches.
Yesterday's results
Norway vs Ivory Coast
Score: 2-1
Key: Erling Haaland's late goal secured Norway's progression. Scorers: Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland (Norway).
France vs Sweden
Score: 3-0
Key: Kylian Mbappé scored twice, and Bradley Barcola added another to send France through. Scorers: Kylian Mbappé (2), Bradley Barcola (France).
Mexico vs Ecuador
Score: 2-0
Key: Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored first-half goals to propel Mexico into the Round of 16. Scorers: Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez (Mexico).
Where it stands
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 is well underway, with seven teams now confirmed for the Round of 16. Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador at Estadio Azteca on July 1 marked their progression.
They join Canada, who defeated South Africa 1-0, and Brazil, who overcame Japan 2-1. Paraguay advanced after a penalty shootout win against Germany (1-1 AET, 4-3 pens), as did Morocco against the Netherlands (1-1 AET, 3-2 pens).
Norway secured their spot with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, and France dominated Sweden with a 3-0 victory. The remaining Round of 32 matches will determine the rest of the teams moving forward in the knockout bracket.
Off the pitch
| Player | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Jacquet | Rennes | Liverpool | €63.6m |
| Marco Palestra | Atalanta | Chelsea | €55m |
What we'll be watching
- England vs DR Congo (Round of 32) - Wednesday, July 1, Atlanta, USA
- Belgium vs Senegal (Round of 32) - Wednesday, July 1, Seattle, USA
- USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Round of 32) - Wednesday, July 1 / Thursday, July 2 (local time), Santa Clara, USA
- Portugal vs Croatia (Round of 32) - Thursday, July 2, Toronto, Canada
- Spain vs Austria (Round of 32) - Thursday, July 2, Los Angeles, USA
- Switzerland vs Algeria (Round of 32) - Thursday, July 2, Vancouver, Canada
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.