FIFA 2026 | Ecuador keep ball but Mexico score twice and book R16 betrh

Mexico, co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2026, advanced to the Round of 16 after beating Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday (Jun 30) in R32 match at Mexico City Stadium. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored one goal each for the El Tri in 22nd and 31st minute, respectively to book a pre-quarterfinal berth. Mexico scored the goals despite Ecuador keeping possession of the ball for longer time and making more passes with better accuracy. The co-hosts, however, edged them in shots attempted and on-target hits to advance in the World Cup.

Mexico make histroy after four decades

Mexico's win against Ecuador was their first kncokout win in 40 years. The last time they had won a KO match in FIFA World Cup was in 1986 when they had beaten Bulgaria by 2-0. In between, they lost seven KO matches across nine editions from 1990 to 2022.

"This win means a lot to me. I was one of those players who couldn't make it to the fifth game [quarterfinals]. It hurts a lot," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. "You get past the group stage and perform well, but then there's a critical error that takes you out. Today, the connection with the fans gave us a boost. This is a spectacular stadium. It's a great night for Mexicans."

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Mexico also became first team since Italy in 1990 FIFA World Cup to win four consecutive matches without conceding a goal.

How Mexico came out triumphant?

Ecuador had the possession of the ball 57 per cent of the time compared to Mexico's 43 per cent. The African nation also passed the ball 416 times with 84 per cent accuracy. Mexico, in comparison, made only 306 passes with 83 per cent accuracy. The difference between the two sides was fould committed - Ecuador had 14 while Mexico had 10, but El tri made 15 shots in total including three of them on target while Ecuador made just eight shot and only one of them was on target.