Javier Aguirre says Ecuador has reached the level of Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina

Mexico's national football team coach, Javier Aguirre, has expressed significant respect for their upcoming opponent in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, stating that Ecuador has elevated its game to match powerhouses like Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. Aguirre noted Ecuador's substantial growth, particularly their second-place finish in the competitive CONMEBOL qualifiers and their impressive victory over Germany in the group stage.

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Ecuador has grown immensely. They were below the usual contenders, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, but now Ecuador has reached that level, along with Colombia. They have many players outside their league, they are a rival of great respect, they have grown in their area and globally with that export of players.

"Ecuador has grown immensely. They were below the usual contenders, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, but now Ecuador has reached that level, along with Colombia," Aguirre stated. He pointed to the large number of Ecuadorian players competing in top leagues abroad as evidence of their increased global standing and the respect they command.

The match, scheduled to take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, is anticipated to be a closely contested affair. Aguirre anticipates an intense Ecuadorian side, characterized by high pressing and combative individual duels. "They beat Germany, and that says it all, so we will have to be very alert to impose our style and get the win," he added.

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They beat Germany, and that says it all, so we will have to be very alert to impose our style and get the win.

Aguirre also acknowledged the tactical acumen of Ecuador's coach, Sebastián Beccacece, whom he has faced previously. He described Ecuador as a team that limits opponents' ability to play comfortably in their own half, calling them one of the best 48 teams in the tournament. "They are an intense and brave team like their coach. I know Beccacece from Spain; he sets up matches very well, it will be a very beautiful challenge," Aguirre commented.

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Ecuador have a team that allows you to play very little in their half, they are one of the best 48 in this World Cup. They are an intense and brave team like their coach. I know Beccacece from Spain, he sets up matches very well, it will be a very beautiful challenge.

Despite the formidable challenge, Aguirre conveyed confidence in his young Mexican squad, highlighting their maturity and fearlessness. "We have everything except anxiety or nervousness, quite the opposite. We must play an almost perfect game to stay in the World Cup. I hope we are solid in the mid and low blocks and are clinical to do well," he concluded, emphasizing the need for his team to impose their style of play to secure advancement.

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We have everything except anxiety or nervousness, quite the opposite. We must play an almost perfect game to stay in the World Cup. I hope we are solid in the mid and low blocks and are clinical to do well.