Mexico lost seven consecutive times at that same stage from 1994 to 2018 and didn't advance past the group stage in 2022. Now, the 40-year wait is over.
Mexico's Raul Jimenez (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Silvia Izquierdo/AP
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Silvia Izquierdo/AP
Mexico ends a 40-year knockout drought in 2-0 win over Ecuador to reach the round of 16
Mexico ends 40-year knockout curse with 2-0 win over Ecuador
FIFA World Cup 2026 | Mexico end a 40-year knockout drought, beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach the round of 16
Mexico national football team secures first World Cup knockout win in 40 years
Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0, break 40-year World Cup knockout jinx
Mexico end knockout jinx with Ecuador win to reach World Cup round of 16
Mexico beat Ecuador to reach last 16 and end 40-year knockout drought
FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico end 40-year World Cup knockout curse with commanding win over Ecuador
How Mexico won maiden FIFA WC knockout in 40 years
Mexico beat Ecuador at Azteca to end 40‑year World Cup knockout curse
Mexico had not won a knockout-stage match since defeating Bulgaria in the round of 16 when they hosted the tournament in 1986.
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to reach the World Cup Round of 16, ending a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage victory as Julián…
Mexico ends a 40-year knockout drought, defeating Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the World Cup round of 16.
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca to claim their first World Cup knockout-stage victory in 40 years, ending an…
Mexico defeats Ecuador 2-0 at Azteca Stadium, ending a 40-year World Cup knockout jinx. Read about their historic win and path to…
The round of 32 victory was Mexico's first in the knockout stages of a World Cup since beating Bulgaria on home soil in 1986. |…
