Mexico beats Ecuador 2-0 at World Cup, sparking national celebration

Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on July 5, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The goals were scored by Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. After the match, Emilio Azcárraga, president of Club América, issued a public thank‑you, saying, “¡Gracias por hacernos vibrar. Nos han regalado momentos de pura alegría y una unión que a todo México nos hacía falta.” Mexico’s next opponent in the round of 16 will be England.

Japanese fans attending the Japan‑Tunisia group match in Monterrey were noted for bringing bags and cleaning up the stadium after the 4‑0 victory, an act that was widely shared on social media as a demonstration of Japanese cultural values. The match marked the 1,000th game in World Cup history.

The Iranian national team arrived in Mexico in early June after the United States denied visas to 15 members of its coaching staff. The players trained in Tijuana and later played matches in California and Seattle, drawing large crowds of Mexican supporters who welcomed the team despite the visa restrictions.