Mexico is not satisfied with the team that killed Germany
Mexico and Ecuador face a tight duel in the 1/16 of the Mundial 2026: the hosts are looking to continue their peak, while the 'Tri' caused a surprise defeat by Germany in the group.
Mexico and Ecuador will meet today in an attractive and more balanced match than expected. Ecuador sprung a surprise when they beat Germany in the last round of the group stage to advance to the 1/16 as one of the best third-placed—a victory that boosted their morale ahead of tonight's clash.
But Mexico, one of the hosts of the Mundial and led by Javier "Vasco" Aguirre, will try to stop the new enthusiasm of the Ecuadorians and maintain their perfect record. Mexico finished the group stage as leaders with three complete wins—against South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic—and collected nine points, six goals in their favor and no goals conceded.
Mexico has strong reasons to be considered favorites: supported by thousands of fans and playing in the historic Estadio Azteca, or the "recinto de Santa Úrsula"—a place where, according to the record, they have not lost Mundial games since the 1970 and 1986 editions to date.
However it is clear to Mexicans that Ecuador should not be underestimated. The team led by entrenador Beccacece was almost eliminated before the last match of the group but showed courage and intensity to knock out one of the candidate teams, Germany, and finally make it to the 32.
Regarding the expected line-up, Aguirre intends to keep the core of the team that brought them victory in the group, although there are some doubts in the defense and in the middle of the field. The big question is who will join Lira and Fidalgo in midfield—the official decision is between Mora or Brian Gutiérrez.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://imagenes2.mundodeportivo.com/files/content_image_mobile_filter/uploads/2026/06/29/6a42cb92c6043.jpeg" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>The attacking situation is clearer for Mexico: Julián Quiñones, who is in good form, is likely to be the main point of reference in attack and will be joined by Alvarado and Raúl Jiménez in the trident.
Meanwhile, the main threat to Ecuador centers on the duo of Gonzalo Plata and Enner Valencia. Although Ecuador is full of energy and full of hope after their qualification, the team lacks effectiveness in front of goal—they have to create a lot just to score.
Ecuador's mission is clear: try to reach their second chance to enter the octavos de final, a feat they achieved before in Mundial 2006. The challenge is great but the hope is equal.
The winner of this duel of 1/16 will face the winner from the match between England and Senegal in the next stage.
Field: Estadio Azteca (Santa Úrsula). Spectators: thousands of fans from Mexico and also supportive Ecuadorians who traveled to witness the historic match.
