MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s dream FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign continues to gather momentum as the co-hosts etched their name into the record books by becoming the first team since Italy in 1990 to open a World Cup with four consecutive victories without conceding a single goal.Javier Aguirre’s side maintained their flawless run with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage win while extending their remarkable defensive streak to four clean sheets.Mexico have now won all four of their matches, scored eight goals and conceded none, emerging as one of the tournament’s standout teams heading into the Round of 16.
Historic start rewrites World Cup record books
The victory over Ecuador marked Mexico’s first World Cup knockout triumph since defeating Bulgaria at the 1986 tournament on home soil. Since then, El Tri had endured seven straight eliminations in the knockout rounds before finally ending the unwanted streak.The latest victory also created another piece of history, with Mexico becoming the first nation since Italy at the 1990 World Cup to begin a tournament with four successive clean-sheet victories. Italy played out five straight clean-sheets in that edition, and it will be interesting to see whether Mexico can match it or not.Aguirre, who was part of Mexico’s 1986 squad and has experienced several World Cup disappointments as both player and coach, admitted the result carried special significance.“It means a lot to me because I am one of those who could not progress in the knockout stage,” Aguirre said. “We are in the round of 16 and it is happening with a great connection with the fans. We are like a family. It is spectacular.”
Quiñones and Jiménez lead another clinical display
After a weather delay pushed kick-off back by an hour, Mexico quickly settled into their rhythm.Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a powerful finish before turning provider nine minutes later for Raúl Jiménez, who doubled the advantage with a composed strike.Quiñones, named Player of the Match, credited the collective effort rather than individual brilliance.“Teamwork is what matters most today,” he said. “You can stand out as an individual, but that’s only possible because of the team’s great performance. That’s our mindset. We have to keep fighting. That’s how life is: you fight, fight, and fight until you get what you want. Thank you to everyone who supported us and believed in us.”Behind the attack, goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez once again ensured Mexico remained unbeaten defensively, stretching their clean-sheet streak to four matches.The co-hosts will now face the winner of the England-DR Congo Round of 32 clash as they look to continue their historic World Cup run on home soil.
