El Tri wins its first knockout game in 40 years, fueling Mexico with unlimited optimism

Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored first-half goals, leading Mexico to a dramatic 2-0 win over Ecuador Tuesday night at Mexico City Stadium, El Tri’s first victory in a World Cup knockout game in 40 years.

Goalie Raúl Rangel made a remarkable save to preserve the advantage shortly before halftime and El Tri saw out the remaining 45 minutes efficiently, improving Mexico’s all-time World Cup record at the iconic Mexico City stadium to 7-2-0.

¡QUIÑONES, QUIÑONES, QUIÑONES!

Con una gran definición y potente derechazo, Julián Quiñones abre el marcador para México con tremendo GOLAZO pic.twitter.com/eAUmdIFb1q

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 1, 2026

Electrical storms delayed kick-off by an hour, but coach Javier Aguirre’s men started the game on the front foot, creating three good scoring chances in the first 15 minutes.

Mexico City Stadium (and millions in plazas across the country) erupted in full-throated celebration shortly thereafter when Quiñones fired a shot into the short-side netting, his third goal of the 2026 World Cup. 

Quiñones raced down the left flank in pursuit of a perfectly weighted lead pass by Roberto Alvarado, dribbled into the box, then turned defender William Pacho around, before thumping the ball past Hernán Galíndez. 1-0 Mexico.

Just past the half-hour mark, Quiñones played facilitator, feeding Jiménez at the top of the box with enough room to take one touch before spinning a right-footed shot inside the right post, doubling Mexico’s lead.

It was the first time Ecuador had given up two goals in a game in more than two years.

Jiménez created the chance by acrobatically flicking the ball into the Ecuador defensive third, then stealing a stubbed clearance by center-back Joel Ordóñez. 

The goal by Raúl Jiménez (right) lifted him into second place on the all-time Mexico scoring list with 47, just five behind Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)

The former Fulham forward eluded Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo about 25 meters from goal and squared a pass to Quiñones at the top of the box. Quiñones stepped around Alan Franco and slipped a return pass to Jiménez who had drifted into a clearing between four Ecuadorian defenders with space to control and shoot.

Jiménez’s goal lifted him into second place on the all-time Mexico scoring list with 47, just five behind Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. 

Less than 10 minutes later, the 26-year-old Rangel rose to the occasion. At full stretch, the Chivas goalkeeper parried aside a John Yeboah blast that was ticketed for the far corner. He followed that up by punching the ensuing corner kick clear of the box, leading to a short-lived breakout that set Ecuador back on its collective heels.

Aguirre may have been disappointed that Mexico squandered a few chances to increase the lead before halftime, but his men won the tactical battle thereafter.

Despite ceding possession to Ecuador in the second half, El Tri still outshot the South Americans 14-4 and harassed Sebastián Beccacece’s squad into numerous unforced errors, even provoking stalwart defenseman Piero Hincapíe into losing his composure and earning a red card.

President Sheinbaum and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada watched Tuesday’s match with neighbors of Azcapotzalco in the northwest part of the capital. (Presidencia/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico maintained solid defensive shape throughout and enough counterattacking flair in the second half to keep the flashy Ecuadorians at bay, continuing its perfect run into the Round of 16 and a potential clash with world No. 4 England next Sunday.

With the victory, Mexico improved its all-time record at Estadio Banorte (formerly Azteca) in nine World Cup games to 7 wins and 2 draws (with 15 goals scored and 2 goals allowed). This includes three wins this month (2-0 over South Africa in the inaugural match, 3-0 over Czechia on June 24 and Tuesday’s triumph).

Post-game notes

With the victory over Ecuador, El Tri is now 2-2-7 all-time in World Cup knockout games, its only prior win coming just over 40 years ago, at the very same venue in southern Mexico City. 

That 2-0 victory over Bulgaria in a Round of 16 match on June 15, 1986, featured the Greatest Goal in World Cup History (according to a 2018 FIFA poll). Also of note, Manuel Negrete’s stunning left-footed scissors kick was assisted by none other than Javier Aguirre.

Goalie Raúl Rangel has yet to let a single goal hit his net in this World Cup. (Edgar Negrete/Cuartoscuro)

With Tuesday night’s shutout, El Tri is one of just two teams yet to give up a goal at the World Cup; Spain — which will play its Round of 32 match on Thursday against Austria — is the other.

Mexico is also only the fourth team in FIFA World Cup history to start a tournament with four straight shutouts, joining Brazil (1986), Italy (1990) and Switzerland (2006).

Mexico News Daily

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