01/07/2026 10:15 - Deportes
July 1, 2026 will forever be etched in Mexican football history. The national team achieved what no other CONCACAF squad had accomplished before: eliminating a South American (CONMEBOL) opponent in a World Cup knockout phase.
The match took place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — the only stadium to have hosted two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986). This venue holds approximately 87,000 spectators and is considered a cathedral of world football.
The Ecuadorian team faced several setbacks before kickoff:
Head coach Sebastián Beccacece (an Argentine coach) refused to use these incidents as excuses for the result.
The streets of Mexico City — one of the world's largest metropolitan areas with over 21 million inhabitants — filled with jubilant fans after the final whistle. Thousands gathered in plazas and avenues to celebrate the historic achievement.
Unfortunately, the Mexico City Health Secretariat (Secretaría de Salud) confirmed two people died during the mass celebrations. Specific circumstances and identities have not yet been released.
With this victory, Mexico advances to the Quarter-finals, where they will face either England or Chile. The team now aims to reach the semi-finals for the first time in the modern World Cup format.
For context: CONCACAF (North and Central America and Caribbean) teams have historically struggled against CONMEBOL (South American) opponents in World Cup knockout stages, making this victory particularly significant for the region.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
