MEXICO BEAT ECUADOR TO END 40-YEAR WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT DROUGHT.

Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca to qualify for the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recording their first knockout-stage victory at the tournament since 1986.

Following a lightning delay of about one hour that pushed back kickoff, JULIAN QUINONES put the hosts ahead in the 22nd minute before RAUL JIMENEZ added a second goal nine minutes later.

The win sets up a round of 16 clash between Mexico and either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.