Ecuador Falls to Mexico, Losing Promised National Holiday

Mexico's national football team defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, July 1, dashing Ecuador's hopes of enjoying a national holiday that had been declared after their previous victory.

The match in Mexico City was delayed by an hour due to a thunderstorm, but the hosts showed no signs of rust. They scored two goals in the first half: Julián Quiñones in the 22nd minute and Raúl Jiménez in the 31st. Ecuador dominated possession in the second half but failed to beat Mexican goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. In stoppage time, Ecuador's Piero Incapié received a red card for showing disrespect to an opponent by putting his hand over his mouth while speaking.

Mexico has not conceded a single goal in the tournament so far, having beaten South Africa (2-0), South Korea (1-0), and Czech Republic (3-0) in the group stage. In the quarterfinals, Mexico will face the winner of England vs. Democratic Republic of Congo.

This is the first World Cup with 48 teams, divided into 12 groups. The top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advanced to the knockout stage. The semifinals are scheduled for July 14 and 15, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19.

Ecuador had declared a national holiday after a sensational group-stage win over Germany, but that celebration will not materialize now.