Mexico beats Ecuador 2-0, advances to World Cup round of 16

Mexico, co‑host of the tournament, defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium after a one‑hour weather delay. Julian Quinones opened scoring in the 22nd minute and Raul Jiménez doubled the lead eight minutes later. The match marked the end of a 40‑year spell without a knockout‑stage win for the Mexican side.

Ecuador’s defender Piero Hincapié received a red card in the 95th minute for covering his mouth, becoming the second player to be sent off for that offence in this World Cup. Mexico will now meet either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarter‑finals.

Other round‑of‑16 results included France’s 3‑0 victory over Sweden and Norway’s 2‑1 win against Ivory Coast, setting the stage for the next stage of the competition.