Mexico and Ecuador meet in the first round of knockout fixtures at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday at 2am (UK time).
Mexico hope to set up a round of 16 clash against England or DR Congo at the Azteca. They have started excellently and topped their group with three wins from three in Group A. The co-hosts opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa with three red cards being shown. They then went on to beat South Korea 1-0 in their second group game, securing top spot in Group A early. This allowed them to play risk free against Czech Republic. El Tri went on to win 3-0 and topping the group unbeaten without conceding a single goal.
Ecuador had a tougher ride to secure qualification in their group. They lost their opening game against Ivory Coast 1-0, Amad Diallo’s 90th minute goal snatching all three points. They then went on to draw 0-0 with Curacao, despite taking 27 shots, creating six big chances and generating 2.84 Expected Goals. This saw Ecuador needing a win against Germany to secure qualification. They did so in nail biting style. After going a goal down they came back to win 2-1, scoring the all-important goal in the 77th minute to set up their round of 32 clash with Mexico.
The two nations have met plenty of times over the years. Ecuador have largely had Mexico’s number, but in their last three meetings, the sides have drawn all three.
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Mexico vs Ecuador team news
Mexico team news
Having already qualified as winners of Group A, Mexico rested a number of key starters in their 3-0 victory over Czech Republic.
Raul Jimenez will return to the lineup to lead the line. Erik Lira meanwhile, will take his place back in the heart of midfield.
Despite Gilberto Mora starting his first game at the World Cup against Czech Republic at just 17 years old, he is expected to return to the bench against Ecuador.
Julian Quinones will keep his spot on the left. He’s scored twice at this World Cup so far, working nicely with Jimenez in the attacking unit.
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Ecuador team news
Ecuador did not have the same luxury of resting players in their final group game, as they needed to beat Germany to progress to the last 32.
Sebastian Beccacece doesn’t seem to have any injury concerns going into the Mexico game, which will likely mean we see the same lineup that beat Germany 2-1.
Moises Caicedo has been handed the captain’s armband permanently now, having taken the responsibility from Enner Valencia against Germany. Pedro Vite will join the captain in midfield as he did in all three group games.
Ecuador’s back four that started two of the three group games will be key to their success. Joel Ordonez and William Pacho will start in central defence, while Piero Hincapie and Alan Franco in the full-back spots.
Mexico vs Ecuador predicted lineups
Mexico (4-3-3): Rangel; Sanchez, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo; Romo, Lira, Gutierrez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones.
Ecuador (4-4-2): Galindez; Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Yeboah, Caicedo, Vite, Angulo; Plata, Valencia.
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