Mexico will be entering the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup on a high on Tuesday as it takes on an Ecuador team that has shown plenty of fight to find its way into the Round of 32. Three wins without conceding a single goal ensured Mexico glided through to the knockout stages as Group A winners.

The 40-year wait is over. Mexicans had learned to live with defeats in the knockout stages of the World Cup. On seven occasions, El Tri fans were left heartbroken at this stage. Not anymore. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored within a nine-minute span in the first half and Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night to break a four-decade drought in the knockout stage and progress to the round of 16.

Julian Quiñones scored Mexico's opener against Ecuador in the round of 32, notching his third goal of the tournament. See the goal highlight.

Sebastián Beccacece has stepped down as coach of Ecuador following World Cup elimination. The 45-year-old Argentine confirmed it after Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat to host Mexico. “My contract has to end with the end of the World Cup.

Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié became the second player to be issued a red card at the World Cup under FIFA’s new rule that calls for a player to be sent off for covering their mouth during a confrontational exchange with an opponent.

Fans’ euphoric reactions to the Mexican national team’s recent victory in the 2026 World Cup caused a series of unusual vibrations that were detected by seismic warning systems.

All four teams of Group E are still in the race for a spot in the World Cup's round of 32. While Germany have already clinched a place in the next round after winning the two opening games of the group,