Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over Ecuador to advance to the round of 16 in the World Cup, ending a 40-year streak without a knockout stage win. The match took place yesterday, with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scoring within a nine-minute period in the first half. Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, followed by Jiménez’s goal in the 31st minute.

This win marks Mexico’s first successful knockout-stage match since the 1986 World Cup, which the country hosted. Since then, Mexico had faced seven consecutive defeats in the round of 16 between 1994 and 2018. Notably, Mexico was eliminated during the group stage at the 2022 Qatar World Cup—its earliest exit since 1978.

Quiñones has now netted three goals in this tournament, making him the second-highest scorer in Mexico’s World Cup history, just behind Luis “Matador” Hernández and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who both scored four goals in their World Cup careers.

Looking ahead, Mexico is scheduled to play another home match on Monday against the winner of the current fixture between England and Congo. The outcome of that game will determine Mexico’s opponent as they aim to progress further in the tournament.