By Zoila Palma: Co-hosts Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ecuador in a weather-delayed match at Estadio Azteca.
An hour-long delay caused by a thunderstorm did little to slow the hosts, who produced a dominant first-half display to secure their first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 1986.
Mexico took control from the opening whistle, creating several early chances before Julián Quiñones opened the scoring with a superb solo effort after cutting inside from the left flank. The winger, who netted his third goal of the tournament, later turned provider when Raúl Jiménez capitalized on a defensive error by Ecuador’s Joel Ordóñez to fire home Mexico’s second before halftime.
Ecuador improved after the break and enjoyed more possession, but struggled to break down Mexico’s disciplined defense. Gonzalo Plata came closest to pulling one back with a flick that drifted wide, while the South Americans’ frustrations boiled over in stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapié was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident, capping a disappointing evening for his side.
The victory extends Mexico’s unbeaten start to the tournament to four matches, with eight goals scored and none conceded.
Backed by more than 80,000 passionate supporters at the historic Azteca Stadium, Javier Aguirre’s team will remain in Mexico City for the Round of 16, where they will face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Sunday, as they continue their bid for a deep run on home soil.
The post International News: Mexico powers past Ecuador to reach World Cup Round of 16 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Co-hosts Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ecuador in a weather-delayed match at Estadio Azteca. An hour-long delay caused by a thunderstorm did little to slow the hosts, who produced a dominant first-half display to secure their first World
The post International News: Mexico powers past Ecuador to reach World Cup Round of 16 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.