Mexico just did something it hasn’t managed since 1986: win a knockout-stage match at a FIFA World Cup. Julián Quiñones, the forward nicknamed “La Pantera,” scored one goal and set up another as El Tri dispatched Ecuador 2-0 in front of 80,824 fans at Estadio Azteca on June 30, 2026.
The result sends Mexico into the round of 16, ending four decades of heartbreak in the tournament’s elimination rounds.
How the goals unfolded
Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, converting with the kind of clinical finish that has defined his tournament. Nine minutes later, he turned provider, threading a pass to Raúl Jiménez, who doubled the advantage in the 31st minute.
Sofascore gave Quiñones a match rating of 8.2, making him comfortably the best player on the pitch. His teammates and coaching staff received praise from the forward in post-match comments, along with the fans who packed the iconic venue.
