Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in the first half, which was enough to send El Tri into the next round.
Coming into the clash on the back of a compelling group stage campaign which saw them win all three games without conceding a single goal, it was hardly surprising to see Mexico take control of the proceedings from the off.
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Quinones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after racing down into acres of space on the left flank to connect with a looping cross from Roberto Alvarado. He then cut onto his right foot inside the box and produced a sumptuous finish into the net.
Just nine minutes later, Jimenez got into the act too with a thunderous effort of his own into the top bin after being teed up by Quinones.
Ecuador made a slew of changes at the break as they looked to claw their way back into the match. However, Mexico were content to sit back and absorb all pressure. Cesar Montes twice went close to scoring for Mexico in the second half.
The night went from bad to worse for La Selección after Piero Hincapie was sent off in the fifth minute of stoppage time for covering his mouth during a confrontation with a Mexican player, capping off a disappointing night for Ecuador.
Mexico are through to the last-16 after winning their first knockout match at the FIFA World Cup in 40 years and will face either England or DR Congo in the next round on Sunday, 5 July in Mexico City.
Here are the player ratings for Mexico.
Mexico Player Ratings
Raul Rangel – 7.5/10
The Mexico custodian was not tested enough on the night by Ecuador and kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet at the tournament.
Jorge Sanchez – 7/10
With eight defensive contributions on the night, Sanchez was colossal in keeping Ecuador at bay. But on the offensive front, he couldn’t offer much.
Cesar Montes – 7.5/10
Cool and composed while making a game-high 10 clearances to demonstrate his excellent reading of the match and sound positioning. His aerial prowess was there for all to see too, clearing all incoming crosses to deny Ecuador any chance. What a turnaround from a player who got sent off on the opening day.
Johan Vazquez – 7.5/10
An absolute beast at the heart of Mexico’s defense, perfectly complimenting Montes to keep Ecuador at bay. Vazquez, too, made a high number of clearances (9) while dominating his aerial duels too (5/5).
Jesus Gallardo – 6/10
Marking his 125th cap for Mexico tonight, Gallardo was like a bull in a china shop, reckless with his challenges and trying hard to get into the referee’s books.
Gilberto Mora – 7.5/10
The 17-year-old became the second youngest player ever to start a FIFA World Cup knockout game and turned in a promising display. His passing was top notch and played a key role in helping Mexico control the game’s tempo. Subbed off to a standing ovation in the second half.
Erik Lira – 7.5/10
Lira took the game to Ecuador with his constant pressing off the ball and tireless runs. He also made six ball-recoveries in the game.
Luis Romo – 6/10
The midfielder’s intelligent movements always created space for others to come in. His hold-up play on the ball was spectacular too, always releasing the ball with impeccable timing.
Roberto Alvarado – 8/10
An absolute mayhem on the right flank, Alvarado’s high-press left Ecuador on the ropes while his spatial intelligence was admirable too as the player always got into the right positions to make a pass or a shot. He also assisted Quinones for their opening goal.
Raul Jimenez – 8.5/10
The Wolves star was a thorn in Ecuador’s flesh with his electric pace and directness, mustering four shots in the game while doubling Mexico’s advantage with a cool finish.
Julian Quinones – 9/10
The forward continued his spectacular World Cup campaign with a fabulous strike, his third of the tournament, before bagging the assist for Jimenez’s effort.
Substitutes
Brian Gutierrez – 5/10
Couldn’t get involved much.
Obed Vargas – 5/10
Covered a lot of distance and made some line-breaking passes.
Santiago Gimenez – 6/10
Won a few fouls and made great use of space left to him by Ecuador.
Israel Reyes – 6/10
He held up well in defense.
Orbelin Pineda – 6/10
Came close to scoring late on.
Edited by Nived Zenith
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