World Cup: Heartbreak for Pacho, Ecuador as Mexico advance
In Mexico City, a strong first-half performance from the hosts saw Ecuador eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, 2-0. Get the latest from the Ligue 1 McDonald's team.
Two goals in nine minutes
Ecuador, who had reached the Round of 32 thanks to a memorable Group F win over Germany, were set to face Mexico, who had topped Group A with three wins from three. Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho started for Ecuador, while former RC Strasbourg forward Kendry Paez made a cameo off the bench. In a lively, sold-out Azteca, the visitors were under pressure from the off, as Mexico were shooting at will, but failed to test Hernán Galíndez in the Ecuador goal.
The South Americans responded, and John Yeboah had the beating of Raúl Rangel at the near post (18') only to ctrike the woodwork. Four minutes later, though, Mexico were away on the counter after Julián Quiñones was found with a ball over the top, and the in-form forward smashed the ball in for his third goal of the tournament. Nine minutes later, Quiñones turned provider, getting the ball from Raul Jimenez after some fine holdup play before setting up the striker with a return ball (31') to double the lead. Yeboah would prove dangerous again five minutes before the break, but Rangel managed to clear his effort away from the top corner and the half drew to a close with the hosts leading 2-0.
Se termina el camino de Willian Pacho en la Copa del Mundo.
Felicitaciones a México por el pase a los octavos de final. 👏
📸 @LaTri pic.twitter.com/Z3m7FIQste— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_espanol) July 1, 2026
Ecuador struggle to pull level
Into the second half, the intensity of the match naturally dropped, with Cesar Montes' powerful header on 67 minutes the first big chance for either side. But save a Kévin Rodríguez effort which flashed just wide of the near post on the counter, Ecuador could get no closer and exited the tournament with the loss. Mexico will be back in action on Sunday evening at the same stadium, facing the winner of England and DR Congo.
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