See more of our coverage in your search results.
MEXICO CITY — The 40-year wait is over. Mexicans had learned to live with defeats in the knockout stages of the World Cup. On seven occasions, El Tri fans were left heartbroken at this stage.
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored within a nine-minute span in the first half and Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night to break a four-decade drought in the knockout stage and progress to the round of 16.
Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and Jiménez added a goal in the 31st for the Mexicans, who had not won a knockout-stage match since defeating Bulgaria in the round of 16 when they hosted the tournament in 1986. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was one of the starting midfielders in that team in ’86.
“It means a lot to me because I am one of those who could not progress in the knockout stage,” Aguirre said. “We are in the round of 16 and it is happening a great connection with the fans. We are like a family. It is spectacular.”
Mexico lost seven consecutive times at that same stage from 1994 to 2018 and didn’t advance past the group stage in 2022.
Aguirre, who returned as Mexico’s head coach in August of 2024, was an assistant in 1994 and was the coach in 2002 and 2010.
“We will be on high alert from here until Sunday. We will try to have the players recover from this and we will see if we are able to win again,” Aguirre said.
For Quiñones, it was a third goal in the tournament and he is now El Tri’s second-highest scorer in World Cup history behind Luis “Matador” Hernández and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who scored four each.
More coverage on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Germany legend blames WAGs for shocking World Cup upset: ‘Free family day’
- Telemundo commentators’ call of Mexico’s World Cup goal vs. Ecuador goes viral
- Mexico snaps 40-year knockout drought to advance to World Cup round of 16
- USMNT gets reminder on how vital it is to have game plan for World Cup penalty shootout
Quiñones, who was the scoring leader in the Saudi Pro League last season, has become the spark in the attack that Mexico lacked in previous World Cups.
“I am just happy with the result, that is all that matters now,” said Quiñones, who is playing in his first World Cup with Mexico.
The 29-year-old forward arrived in the country from Colombia at age 17 and became a naturalized citizen in 2023.
World Cup Merch shop
USMNT Icon Red T-Shirt
Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.
Christian Pulisic Navy USMNT T-Shirt
Rep your favorite player in classic navy with this officially licensed tee made for diehard fans and big match energy.
USA Soccer Front/Back Crest Pullover Hoodie
Stay warm while repping the red, white, and blue in this officially licensed USMNT pullover hoodie featuring bold front and back crest graphics.
FIFA World Cup ’26 Host Country Flags T-Shirt
Celebrate the global game in style with this FIFA World Cup 26 tee featuring all three host countries’ logos and flags.
2026 Panini FIFA World Cup Sticker Box (25 Sticker Packs)
Rip into the excitement of World Cup season with this 2026 Panini sticker box packed with 25 packs of collectible stickers for fans and traders.
adidas FIFA World Cup ’26 Trionda Host Nation League Soccer Ball
Bring World Cup vibes to every kickaround with the official adidas FIFA World Cup ’26 Soccer Ball built with host nation style and game-ready feel.
“Life is about struggle and fight until you get what you want,” he said, “and I am taking full advantage of the opportunity that I got.”
Jiménez scored his second goal of the tournament and has 47 with the national team to break a tie with Jared Borgetti. He is five away from tying “Chicharito” Hernández as the all-time leading scorer for Mexico.
Mexico will play another home match Sunday against the winner of Wednesday’s match between England and Congo.
Every match of the FIFA World Cup will air on either FOX or FOX Sports 1. If you don’t have cable, you can take advantage of a DIRECTV free trial to stream it all.
Prefer to check out the action live and in person? Shop World Cup 2026 tickets on SeatGeek and make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout if you’re a first-time SeatGeek user.
Playing at the iconic Azteca Stadium, the Mexican squad boasts an undefeated record across 10 World Cup matches. Mexico has just two official losses at the venue — the last being a World Cup qualifying defeat to Honduras on Sept. 6, 2013.
With the win, Mexico extended its unbeaten run to 12 games, dating back to a friendly loss against Paraguay in November.
Mexico also became the first CONCACAF side to eliminate a team from CONMEBOL in a World Cup knockout match. Teams from South America won the previous five meetings.
Source: New York Post
