Mexico reaches World Cup knockout round as three opposing coaches resign

Mexico, the host of the 2026 World Cup, advanced to the round of 16 with a perfect record, beating South Africa, the Czech Republic and South Korea in the group stage and eliminating Ecuador 2‑0 at the Estadio Azteca. The team kept a clean sheet in all four matches and will meet the winner of England versus the Democratic Republic of Congo in the next knockout game.

After each defeat at the hands of Mexico, three of the opposing national team coaches stepped down: Hong Myung‑bo of South Korea, Miroslav Koubek of the Czech Republic and Sebastián Beccacece of Ecuador. Only South Africa’s coach remained. The string of resignations has been described as a “coach‑carrasco” effect linked to Mexico’s strong performance in the tournament.