Mexico fans thronged the streets of Mexico City to celebrate their 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 in the capital city on Tuesday (June 30).
First-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez proved enough as El Tri registered only their second win in 15 World Cup matches (losing 10) against South American opposition to reach the pre-quarterfinals.
Thanks for the submission!
In their best-ever start to a World Cup campaign, Javier Aguirre’s side have scored eight times in four games without conceding as they look forward to a Round of 16 clash with England or DR Congo on Sunday (July 5) at the same stadium.
FOX Sports tweeted a video of Mexican fans’ ‘breathtaking’ celebration on the streets of the capital city, complete with fireworks, as they celebrated their passage to the last 16 of the quadrennial event.
The viral video has garnered one million views, over 200 comments, nearly 7K reposts and 44K likes at the time of writing.
It was a landmark win for El Tri, who registered their first win in a FIFA World Cup knockout match in 40 years since beating Bulgaria 2-0 in the Round of 16 of the 1986 edition, ending a run of seven straight knockout defeats.
Mexico coach hails ‘real’ bond between fans and team after reaching 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Mexico boss Javier Aguirre was an understandably pleased man after the 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday ended the team’s 40-year-old knockout win drought.
The outgoing El Tri head coach especially hailed his team’s performance in the first half as he also thanked fans for their support and their special bond with the players.
“A really good first half, and in the second half we managed to stay calm behind the ball,” Aguirre said (as per GeoSuperTV). “Judging by the atmosphere and how happy everyone is, I’m convinced there’s a real bond between the fans and the team.
Looking ahead to the next game this weekend, he added:
“Sunday’s game is the most important one in the history of the Mexican national team and in my career.”
The Ecuador game also saw Gilberto Mora, (17 years and 259 days) become the second youngest player in competition history (after Pele) to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
Edited by Bhargav