Euphoria at the Legendary Stadium. Mexico Breaks 40-Year Curse, Coach Demands Whisky

Once play began, the co-hosts immediately pressed their opponents, dominating from the outset. In an electrifying atmosphere, Julian Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez both scored in the first half, and no further goals were seen by the spectators.

Ecuador desperately needed to change tactics after the break but struggled to shift gears, with the home team largely controlling the game.

Mexico won their first World Cup knockout match since 1986, when they also hosted the pinnacle tournament. Coach Javier Aguirre reportedly requested a Scotch whisky to celebrate ending decades of struggle.

"You have a good group stage, and then you get stuck and can't move forward. But the immense connection with the people helped," he stated.

This victory means Mexico is now unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the Azteca Stadium and is already looking ahead to their Round of 16 opponent, which will be either England or DR Congo.

The co-hosts were one of three teams in the group stage to win all three matches. France and Argentina also achieved this feat at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico has yet to concede a goal in the North American tournament.

Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora started for the home side, becoming the second-youngest player to feature in a World Cup knockout match. Only Pelé, in 1958, was younger.

Piero Hincapie was sent off in second-half stoppage time after covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opposing player, capping a dismal evening for Ecuador.

Mexico hopes the Azteca Stadium, which hosted the World Cup finals in both 1970 and 1986, will once again work its magic in the Round of 16. From the quarter-finals onwards, all matches will be held in the USA. Canada is also co-hosting the tournament.