Mexico reach last 16 with 2-0 win over 10-man Ecuador

Mexico advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Ecuador in Mexico City, Al Jazeera reported. The result keeps the cohosts in the tournament and sends them into a home knockout match on Sunday.

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in the first half of Tuesday’s round-of-32 game at Mexico City Stadium, according to Al Jazeera. Ecuador finished with 10 players after a late red card to Piero Hincapie.

Mexico set for Sunday return

Al Jazeera reported that Mexico have kept a 100 percent record at this year’s World Cup. Their next match will also be played at Mexico City Stadium, giving the cohosts another fixture in the capital.

Mexico will face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 16, according to Al Jazeera. That match is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.

Jimenez’s goal was Mexico’s second of the match, Al Jazeera reported, with a Reuters photograph showing him celebrating after scoring. Quinones had also struck before the interval, giving Mexico control before halftime.

Weather delays kickoff

The match had been scheduled to start at 7 p.m. local time, which is 01:00 GMT, Al Jazeera reported. Heavy rain and lightning delayed kickoff by one hour.

Ecuador’s night ended with another setback in stoppage time. Al Jazeera reported that Hincapie was sent off in the fifth minute of added time after covering his mouth during a confrontation with a Mexico player.

The 2-0 defeat eliminated Ecuador at the round-of-32 stage, according to Al Jazeera’s account of the match. Mexico, as one of the tournament cohosts, now move one step closer to the later rounds with another game in Mexico City ahead.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.