Mexico end knockout hoodoo, secure WC Last 16 spot with 2-0 win over Ecuador

Host nation Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory after defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32, booking their place in the last 16 with an impressive display at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

The victory marked Mexico's first World Cup knockout win since their 2-0 triumph over Bulgaria at the same venue during the 1986 tournament. Since then, El Tri had repeatedly fallen short in the knockout stages, making this victory a long-awaited milestone for the home supporters.

Mexico took control in the first half with two decisive goals. Winger Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful right-footed strike past the Ecuador goalkeeper. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubled the advantage nine minutes later, calmly finishing from close range after being picked out inside the penalty area by Quiñones.

Despite enjoying 55.7 percent possession, Ecuador struggled to create meaningful chances. The South Americans managed only five attempts on goal, with just one on target, while Mexico produced 14 shots, forcing three saves and converting two of their opportunities.

Ecuador's frustration deepened in stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapié was shown a straight red card following a VAR review after an off-the-ball altercation.

The match kicked off an hour later than scheduled due to severe thunderstorms, but the delay did little to disrupt Mexico's momentum as they comfortably secured progression.

The win also extended Mexico's unbeaten World Cup record at the Azteca Stadium to 10 matches. Javier Aguirre's side entered the knockout phase after winning all three group-stage fixtures without conceding a goal, joining France and Argentina as the only teams to maintain a perfect record in the group stage.

Mexico will now face either England or DR Congo in the Round of 16.

The match also produced a historic moment for 17-year-old attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora, who became the youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match since Pelé achieved the feat at the 1958 World Cup.