Mexico Advances to World Cup Round of 16 as Germany’s Group Teams Exit

Mexico secured their spot in the World Cup Round of 16 with first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. Jiménez, who also scored in Mexico’s opening win against South Africa, helped his team edge out Ecuador.

Seventeen-year-old Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora made history by becoming the youngest player to start a knockout stage match since Pele did so in 1958.

This outcome means all teams from Germany’s group have been eliminated at the first knockout round. The four-time world champions fell to Paraguay on penalties, while Côte d’Ivoire was beaten by Norway thanks to a late goal from Erling Haaland. Likewise, every team from Group F exited after losses to the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden.

Ecuador finished their tournament struggling to score, failing to find the net in three of their four games; their only goal came in a 2-1 victory over Germany. In contrast, Mexico remain the sole team yet to concede a goal in the competition.

The match saw Piero Hincapié, former Bayer Leverkusen defender, receive a red card in injury time for covering his mouth during a conversation with an opponent.

Looking ahead, Mexico will enjoy strong support on home soil when they face the winner between England and DR Congo in the Round of 16.