Mexico ends 40-year World Cup knockout drought with win over Ecuador; fans erupt in celebration

The Mexican national soccer team, 'El Tri,' has achieved a landmark victory, eliminating Ecuador in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. This triumph breaks a 40-year drought for the team in winning a direct elimination match in the tournament, sparking widespread celebration.

Following the historic win, an estimated one million people converged on the Ángel de la Independencia in Mexico City to celebrate the team's success. The euphoria surrounding Javier Aguirre's squad is palpable, with the players themselves experiencing the celebrations firsthand.

The team's concentration base at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento (CAR) became the scene of an equally enthusiastic welcome. Upon returning from their match at the Ciudad de México stadium, players and staff were greeted by jubilant local residents. Cheers, music, and celebratory gestures marked their triumphant arrival at the CAR.

Videos captured the lively atmosphere, including a moment where a staff vehicle was playfully "shaken" by fans, eliciting laughter from those inside. This outpouring of joy underscores the significance of the victory for Mexican football, marking a memorable moment after decades of struggle in the tournament's knockout stages.

“

It is a match to remember, the most important of my career.