After losing to co-host Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 32, Ecuador became the most recent nation to be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez helped Mexico earn their spot in the round of sixteen with a calm performance.
As they wait to find out who their next opponents will be in the knockout stage, the victory keeps the hosts’ hopes alive.
As a result, Ecuador is now among the nations that have already been eliminated from the competition, along with Ivory Coast, Japan, Germany, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Earlier, France defeated Sweden 3-0 to secure their spot in the Round of 16.
Bradley Barcola scored the third goal after Kylian Mbappe’s two, capping a commanding display and ending Sweden’s World Cup campaign.
Mbappe maintained his excellent scoring form throughout the campaign, and France appeared at ease as they advanced without any trouble.
Three Round of 16 matches have now been confirmed following the completion of another Round of 32 match.
As the former champions continue their quest for another World Cup championship, France will play Paraguay on Saturday in a match that is sure to draw a lot of attention.
Morocco, who advanced as well, will play Canada, the co-host nation, on Saturday in an attempt to advance to the quarterfinals.
Norway will play Brazil in another high-profile knockout match on Sunday.
In what looks to be one of the most memorable Round of 16 matches, the victor will advance to the last four.
Although Mexico’s next opponents are still unknown, their victory over Ecuador has guaranteed that they will continue to be competitive at home.
