Mexico advances to World Cup 2026 Round of 16, eyes quarterfinals after 40-year drought

Mexico has secured its place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, defeating Ecuador 2-0 in their knockout stage match. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez propelled 'El Tri' to victory, setting them up for a crucial next step in the tournament.

The team, managed by Javier Aguirre, is scheduled to play their Round of 16 game on Sunday, July 5. The match will be held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a venue steeped in football history. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET in the United States).

Mexico awaits the winner of the match between England and DR Congo to determine their next opponent. This upcoming fixture is a significant one, as it marks a return to the 'quinto partido' – the quarterfinals – a stage Mexico has not reached in 40 years, since the 1986 World Cup hosted in their home country.

Should Mexico overcome their Round of 16 challenge, their path forward could lead to encounters with formidable opponents. In the quarterfinals, they might face the winner of the Brazil vs. Norway match. A hypothetical semifinal could pit them against powerhouses like Argentina or Colombia. If they reach the final, they could potentially meet other strong contenders such as France, Spain, or the United States.