Co-hosts Mexico stormed through the group stage with three wins and no goals conceded, but they face a stern Round of 32 test against Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium.
Round of 32
Wednesday, 01 July | Mexico City Stadium
Kick-off time
09:00 (GMT+8)
The match
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 continues with a clash between Mexico and Ecuador. Co-hosts El Tri arrive with sky-high morale after convincingly winning all three of their group stage matches against South Africa, Korea Republic and Czechia without conceding. The Ecuadorians will also be also highly motivated following the victory over Germany that secured their spot in the knockout stage after a somewhat disappointing start to the tournament.
Mexico’s Julian Quinones, Luis Romo and Raul Jimenez have all impressed so far for Javier Aguirre’s side, while Ecuador also boast a wealth of game-changing talents including Pedro Vite, Gonzalo Plata and Moises Caicedo.
The winner of this match will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either England or Congo DR back in Mexico City on 5 July.
Mexico possible starting XI
Rangel; Reyes, Vasquez, Montes, Gallardo; Mora, Fidalgo, Lira; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones
Ecuador possible starting XI
Galindez; Franco, Pacho, Ordonez, Hincapie; Yeboah, Vite, Caicedo, Angulo; Plata, Valencia
What they said…
“For me, it’s all about family, strength and solidarity with my team-mates. Every player who steps onto the pitch gives their all.” Mateo Chavez, Mexico defender
“We didn’t get off to the start we’d hoped for in the competition, but we’re still here. We will continue to work with great humility and keep our feet on the ground.“ Willian Pacho, Ecuador defender
Mexico City Stadium
A true coliseum of world football and the first to host a third FIFA World Cup, Mexico City Stadium – which welcomed the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona across two pulsating World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986 – will once again take centre stage. Five World Cup matches are being played here, including Mexico’s first and third group games, and two knockout stage fixtures.