Mexico stuns Ecuador, eyes England upset in Round of 16
Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez send Mexico through to the knockout stage, setting up a blockbuster clash with England in Dallas.
Mexico punched their ticket to the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a 2–0 victory over Ecuador at Estadio Azteca on 24 June 2026. Julián Quiñones put El Tri ahead in the 34th minute, slotting home after a quick counter, while Raúl Jiménez sealed the win in the 70th after Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez fumbled a back-pass. The goals came just days after Mexico’s opening loss to Argentina, shifting the narrative from crisis to confidence.
The tactical adjustment from interim coach Luis Fernando Tena proved decisive. Unlike the passive display against Argentina, Mexico pressed higher and utilized the flanks effectively, forcing Ecuador into the uncharacteristic error that led to Jiménez’s goal. This adaptability addresses a long-standing criticism of Mexican : the inability to pivot strategies under tournament pressure.
