Ecuador to face Mexico at the Azteca amid threat of rain

Ecuador is set to clash with Mexico in the Estadio Azteca for the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. The highly anticipated match, scheduled for Tuesday at 8:00 PM Ecuador time, will be influenced not only by Mexico City's significant altitude but also by a forecast of rain. Meteorologists predict a cloudy day with intermittent showers and a possibility of thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to drop to 16°C during the match, with a 45% chance of precipitation, potentially leading to a wetter-than-usual pitch. A wet field could accelerate the game's pace, adding another layer of challenge to the already demanding high-altitude environment of 2,240 meters above sea level. Despite these conditions, Ecuador is looking to make history by eliminating Mexico at the Azteca, a venue where the home team traditionally excels. This encounter marks a significant opportunity for Ecuador to progress to the knockout stages under the World Cup's new format, breaking a historical pattern.