Ecuador are due to square off against World Cup host nation Mexico in the World Cup Round of 32 and the winner could yet face England at the Estadio Azteca19:13, 30 Jun 2026Updated 21:07, 30 Jun 2026Ecuador have contacted FIFA to raise concerns about the way they have been treated ahead of facing Mexico in the Round of 32 of the World Cup.‌Video footage has since emerged of La Tri's players holding hands and praying together before their unmissable clash at the Estadio Azteca after Mexican fans caused a late-night disturbance outside their team hotel in Mexico City.‌Fireworks were aimed towards the building - there was some suggestion they were actually let off from the hotel's roof - and Ecuador's stars were spotted peeking out of the curtains as the torment ran deep into the early hours of the morning.‌Furthermore, boss Sebastian Beccacece revealed during his press conference that Ecuador arrived at their hotel three hours and 20 minutes behind schedule due to mysterious delays with their flight and coach.It means they endured a nine-hour travel day after setting off from their Columbus training base in Ohio on Monday morning, which was hardly ideal preparation for facing in-form Mexico.The Ecuadorian Football Federation has now issued the following statement: "Regarding certain off-the-field actions that took place prior to the Round of 16 match, the Ecuadorian Football Federation informs that it has submitted a formal complaint to the organisers, as this conduct is far removed from the principles of fair play, equity, and unity that a FIFA World Cup should represent.‌"Therefore, the FEF respectfully calls upon the relevant authorities to pay closer attention to these incidents and to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of our players, coaching staff, and supporters."We trust that these unsportsmanlike actions will not overshadow the football celebration that unites two brotherly nations, and that respect, healthy competition, and fair play—which give meaning to a World Cup - will prevail at all times. Ecuador will always respond to these unsportsmanlike actions on the field."‌Beccacece said: "We go, we compete, and we play, no complaints or excuses. I am grateful. We might ⁠have tired features, but how could I be upset about being in a World Cup?"It's understood Ecuador tried to change hotels once it emerged that Mexican fans were planning to congregate outside the Westin Santa Fe, where fans beeped horns, revved motorbikes and even played musical instruments before singing offensive chants.Riot police arrived around midnight to try and prevent the situation from escalating beyond control.‌The debacle is particularly worrying for England, who could face host nation Mexico in the Round of 16 if both sides are victorious against DR Congo and Ecuador.La Tri are accustomed to playing at altitude but the Azteca sits 2200 metres above sea-level and pollution in Mexico City is notably poor, though it has improved in recent years, making it another hurdle England would need to overcome.Mexico are unbeaten in nine World Cup matches at the Azteca Stadium.Article continues belowGet the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.