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

Mexico beat Ecuador 2‑0 at the Estadio Azteca in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match, with goals from Julián Quiñones (22') and Raúl Jiménez (31'). The victory moves Mexico into the knockout stage where it will meet the winner of England vs Democratic Republic of Congo.

The win sparked massive street celebrations across Mexico City. Estimates range from 730,000 to over one million people gathering in the Reforma and Zócalo areas. Three people died from asphyxia during the midnight crowd surge, later updated to four fatalities, prompting investigations and calls for safer public events.

Television audiences set a national record: about 60 million viewers tuned in via open‑air TV, with an additional 35.3 million counted by Televisa Univisión, including 28.4 million on broadcast and 6.9 million on the Vix platform. Public viewing sites in the State of Mexico hosted more than 8,500 fans, and bars in Cabo San Lucas offered special promotions for residents.

Separate coverage noted an offensive chant directed at Diego Maradona that spread online, and unverified rumors of Mexican cartel threats against Ecuadorian players, which the Ecuadorian federation has not confirmed.