World Cup – Quiniones scores and assists, Incapie receives a red card; Mexico defeats Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16.

In the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico hosted Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium. They ultimately won 2-0 thanks to goals from Julian Quiniones and Raul Jimenez, advancing to the Round of 16.

Mexico quickly took control after the start and repeatedly threatened Ecuador's goal. In the 5th minute, Jorge Sanchez delivered a cross from the right wing, and Silvetto Mora's long-range shot went just over the bar. In the 6th minute, Roberto Alvarado played a through ball from midfield, and Luis Romo's long-range shot from near the edge of the box also went over the crossbar. In the 7th minute, Romo broke down the right wing and crossed, and Jiménez's header at the far post went wide to the left. In the 15th minute, Piero Incapie's header clearance on the left side of the penalty area went poorly, and Mora's curling shot went just wide.

In the 18th minute, Ecuador's first shot of the match came from John Yeboa, but his attempt struck the left post and bounced out. Mexico immediately responded, breaking the deadlock four minutes later: Alvarado delivered a long cross from midfield, and Quiniones dribbled down the left flank into the penalty area, rounded William Pacho, and fired a powerful shot into the net. In the 30th minute, Quiniones played a diagonal pass from the edge of the box, and Jimenez followed up with a shot to extend the lead to 2-0.

Ecuador, having conceded two goals, attempted to catch up and made their first shot on target near the end of the first half: in the 40th minute, Yeboa cut inside from the right and curled a shot towards goal, but it was saved by Raul Rangel.

After the break, Mexico and Ecuador exchanged attacks. In the 67th minute, Alvarado's corner kick from the left was headed towards goal by Cesar Monte at the far post, but Hernán Garindesto cleared it over the bar. In the 74th minute, Moises Caicedo's long pass from the back created a dangerous opportunity, with Kevin Rodriguez's volley going just wide. In the second minute of stoppage time in the second half, Eric Lira crossed from the left side of the penalty area, and Oberin Pineda's curling shot went wide of the right side.

In the third minute of stoppage time, Santiago Jiménez complained to the referee that Incapie had violated regulations by covering his mouth during a confrontation. After reviewing the VAR replay, the referee showed Incapie a red card. At the final whistle, Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0, eliminating them from the competition despite them playing with ten men.

Image source: Internet