CORNERFLICK
Mexico’s 2026 World Cup run faces its biggest test so far when Ecuador meet them in the round of 16 at the historic Azteca Stadium.
Mexico were the only side, alongside the two 2022 World Cup finalists, to win all three group matches. Javier Aguirre’s pragmatic approach has brought El Tri to the point where a first knockout win in 40 years feels within reach.
Ecuador arrive with plenty of threat of their own. After underwhelming in their first two matches, Sebastián Beccacece’s team sealed qualification with a dramatic win over Germany, a result that underlined their quality and left them looking like one of the most awkward third-place teams to draw.
The match looks finely balanced, with Mexico perhaps holding a slight edge on paper. Ecuador are still capable of upsetting the hosts, especially if they can make use of the attacking structure Beccacece has built.
Nilsangol? Actually rename? Wait source says NiIson Angulo. He should keep left flank role, with Gonzalo Plata behind Enner Valencia and Moisés Caicedo and Pedro Vite in midfield. William Pacho, Joel Ordóñez and Piero Hincapié anchor the defence.