Aguirre demands near-perfect Mexico display against Ecuador

Javier Aguirre has urged Mexico to produce a near-perfect performance when they face Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup last 16.

Mexico meet Ecuador on Wednesday morning in Iran time, with one of the tournament hosts looking to keep their run alive. Aguirre said the home support would act like a “12th player”, but added that Ecuador’s energy and pressing make them a serious test.

“I expect a very intense Ecuador team,” he said. “Teams coached by Becaccece are exactly like that: very energetic, with a very high press, very committed in recovery, and very combative in one-on-ones.”

The 67-year-old added that Ecuador are “among the best teams” in the 48-team tournament and said Mexico must play “almost a perfect game” to advance.

Mexico have not won a World Cup knockout match since 1986, when Aguirre was part of the squad. Asked about that record, he accepted responsibility for past failures and said the important thing is not to repeat mistakes, but to keep improving game by game.