MEXICO CITY. Mexico’s ambitious FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign continues to gather momentum as the co-hosts etched their name in the record books by becoming the first team since Italy in 1990 to open a World Cup with four consecutive victories without a single goal.Javier Aguirre’s team continued their unbeaten run with a commanding 2-0 win over Ecuador in the Round of 32, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage win while extending their remarkable defense to four clean sheets.Mexico have now won all four of their matches, scored eight goals and conceded none, emerging as one of the standout teams in the tournament heading into the Round of 16.
The historic start rewrote the World Cup record books
The win over Ecuador marked Mexico’s first World Cup knockout win since beating Bulgaria in the 1986 tournament on home soil. Since then, El Tri has endured seven consecutive eliminations in the knockout rounds before ending the unwanted streak.The latest victory also created another piece of history, with Mexico becoming the first country since Italy in the 1990 World Cup to start a tournament with four consecutive clean victories. Italy played five consecutive clean sheets in that edition, and it will be interesting to see if Mexico can do it or not.Aguirre, who was part of Mexico’s 1986 squad and experienced many World Cup disappointments as a player and coach, admitted that the result had a special meaning.“It means a lot to me because I am one of those who could not progress in the knockout stage,” said Aguirre. “We are in the round of 16 and it happens that there is a good connection with the fans. We are like a family. It is amazing.”
Quiñones and Jiménez led another clinical demonstration
After a time delay pushed the start back 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, who was named Player of the Match, credited the collective effort rather than individual brilliance.“Teamwork is the most important right now,” he said. “You can stand out as an individual, but that is only possible because of a good team performance. That’s our mindset. We must continue the fight. Such is life. fight, fight, and fight until you get what you want. Thank you to everyone who supported and believed in us.”Behind the attack, goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez once again ensured that Mexico remained unbeaten in defence, stretching their clean 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.