Mexico 2-0 Ecuador Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 Last 32: El Tri Thrash ECU To Storm Into Round Of 16

If you seek further encouraging indicators for Mexico, consider this fact – throughout three tournaments, the country has maintained an unbeaten record at Estadio Azteca, where today’s round of 32 match is taking place. In a total of eight matches held there, Mexico has achieved six victories and two draws.

Mexico: Rangel (GK); Sanchez, Montes (c), Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira, Romo, Mora; Jimenez, Quinones, Alvarado.

Ecuador (4-4-2): Galindez; Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Yeboah, Caicedo (c), Vite, Angulo; Valencia, Plata.

The two teams will meet on the field for the 28th time in their history, with El Tri holding the advantage, having secured 15 victories, eight draws, and four losses. Mexico triumphed over Ecuador 2–1 in their sole World Cup match-up, which took place in 2002.

Kick-off has been delayed here due to a thunderstorm.

The kick-off has been delayed by atleast half an hour, with local reports pointing out that it may get extended to even an hour. The players are still inside as the conditions are not suitable for play to take place, while FIFA states that the match will begin as soon as the condition allows.

Finally some good news as the kick-off is now officially scheduled for 7:30 AM IST, an hour late than the original schedule due to severe thunderstorm delay. Slovenian referee, Slavko Vincic is the one, who'll officiate the match.

Finally the wait is over and after an hour of delay due to inclement weather and play starts with the referee whistle. Both teams off to a cautious start in front of a full-house crowd as they try to get into the groove after a long delay.

Some controlled play and passing on display by Ecuador in the middle of the pitch as Pero Hincapie tries to give a pass into the box only to find the opposition player.

Goaaalll...! Roberto Alvardo gives a precise ball to Julian Quinones, who pounces on the through ball and fires a strong shot into the top left corner from the edge of the penalty area to get EL Tri on the scoreboard.

Goal! Brilliant interplay between Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones opens up space for Jimenez at the edge of the box. He makes no mistake, curling his finish into the top-right corner to double Mexico's lead at 2-0.

That's the halftime whistle and with it the stoppage time comes to an end. Both set of players are heading back to their respective locker rooms, with Mexico being the happier team as they're leading the match by 2-0 at the halfway mark.

The players are back in the field for the second half of the game. Mexico's Cesar Montes tries to send a long ball to Julian Quinones but there is too much power in the shot which carries the ball out of play and Ecuador gets a goal kick.

Cesar Montes (Mexico) climbs above everyone from the corner and directs a powerful header towards the underside of the crossbar, but the goalkeeper pulls off a stunning save. Mexico win another corner and load the box with players.

Julian Quinones is replaced by Orbelin Pineda, while Israel Reyes comes in as substitute for Roberto Alvarado. 

The 90 minutes of the match are over! Extra seven minutes of stoppage time has been added to the match. It's looking all over for Ecuador unless they pull off a miracle in the last seven minutes.

The referee blows the final whistle and with it the stoppage time comes to an end. The final score is 2-0 in favor of Mexico and with it they make it to the round of 16 in style. Julian Quinones (22') and Raul Jimenez (31') strikes for El Tri to keep Mexico's maiden World Cup win hopes alive.

That's a wrap! That's a wrap from our end, we'll be back soon with another blog, until then, bye bye.