El Tri Delivers a Brilliant Performance and Eliminates Ecuador
Posted on07/01/26 at 11:21
The Mexican National Team delivered one of its most convincing performances in recent years by defeating Ecuador 2-0 at a packed Estadio Azteca and securing a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
The team coached by Javier Aguirre showed confidence, intensity, and efficiency to overcome a difficult opponent and keep the World Cup dream alive in front of more than 80,000 fans.
Mexico vs Ecuador: A high-level first half
Mexico controlled the match from the beginning with an inspired Gilberto Mora, just 17 years old, who dictated the pace alongside Roberto Alvarado, while Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez created danger in attack.
The superiority was reflected in the 22nd minute when “Piojo” Alvarado delivered a through ball to Julián Quiñones, who started his run from midfield and fired a powerful shot that beat Hernán Galíndez to open the scoring.
The second goal came in the 31st minute. After a persistent attacking move inside the box, Quiñones returned a one-two pass to Raúl Jiménez, who finished with quality to make it 2-0 and unleash celebrations at Estadio Azteca.
Tala Rangel preserved the advantage
In the second half, Ecuador pushed forward and looked for a response, forcing Mexico to drop deeper for several minutes.
That was when Raúl “Tala” Rangel made two crucial saves that prevented Ecuador from reducing the deficit and kept Mexico’s advantage intact.
Although territorial control belonged to the South American side, El Tri also came close to scoring a third goal through headers from César Montes and Johan Vásquez.
Ecuador finishes with ten players
Frustration took over the Ecuadorian team in the final moments.
Piero Hincapié was sent off after insulting Santiago Giménez, leaving Ecuador with ten players and ending any possibility of a comeback.
Mexico managed the advantage until the final whistle to secure a qualification that restored hope among its supporters.
El Tri awaits its next opponent
With this victory, Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup and will face the winner of the England vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo match on July 5 at Estadio Azteca.
Javier Aguirre’s team not only ended a long drought in knockout-stage matches but also showed that it is ready to compete for more than just a place in the next round.
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