MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s dream 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign continues to gather momentum as the co-hosts etched their names in the history books by becoming the first team since Italy in 1990 to start the tournament with four consecutive wins without conceding a goal.Javier Aguirre’s side maintained their immaculate form with a 2-0 win over Ecuador in the last 32, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory while extending their excellent defensive record to four clean sheets.Mexico has now won all four games, scored eight goals and conceded none, making it into the last 16 as one of the best teams in this World Cup.
Historic start rewrites World Cup record
The victory over Ecuador marked Mexico’s first World Cup knockout victory since defeating Bulgaria on home soil in 1986. Since then, the three teams have been eliminated seven times in a row in the knockout rounds, finally ending the unwanted streak.The latest victory also created another piece of history, with Mexico becoming the first country since Italy in 1990 to start a World Cup with four clean sheets. Italy have kept five clean sheets in that tournament and it will be interesting to see if Mexico can match that.Aguirre, who was part of Mexico’s 1986 team and has experienced several disappointments at the World Cup both as a player and coach, admitted the result held special significance.“It means a lot to me because I was one of those guys who couldn’t advance in the knockout stages,” Aguirre said. “We made it to the last 16 and it happened with a great connection with the fans. We’re like a family. It’s awesome.”
Quiñones and Jiménez lead another clinical demonstration
With kick-off delayed by an hour due to weather, Mexico quickly settled into their rhythm.Julian Quiñones broke the deadlock with a powerful shot in the 22nd minute and set up Raul Jimenez nine minutes later who doubled the advantage with a clinical finish.Quiñones was named man of the match, praising the collective effort rather than individual talent.“Today, teamwork is the most important thing,” he said. “You can stand out as an individual, but that’s only possible if the team performs well. This is our mentality. We must keep fighting. That’s how life is: you struggle, struggle, struggle until you get what you want. Thank you to everyone who supports us and believes in us. “Behind the attack, goalkeeper Raul Rangel and defenders Cesar Montes and John Vázquez once again ensured Mexico’s defensive unbeaten streak extended their clean sheet streak to four games.The co-hosts will now face the winner of England’s last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo as they look to continue their historic World Cup campaign at home.
