Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory on Tuesday, defeating Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the last 16. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured the win in front of an electric crowd at Estadio Azteca, as adverse weather failed to dampen the party for the cohosts.
This victory marks Mexico's first win beyond the group stage since the 1986 tournament they hosted. The team had previously lost seven consecutive times at this stage between 1994 and 2018 and failed to advance past the group stage in 2022.
Ecuador exited the tournament following a late red card. Mexico is scheduled to play either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 5.