MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s dream campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to grow as their teammates wrote their names in the history books and became the first team since Italy in 1990 to open the World Cup with four consecutive victories without a single goal.Javier Aguirre’s side went on to beat Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32, ending a 40-year wait to win a World Cup final while extending their defensive record to four clean sheets.Mexico have now won all four of their matches, scored eight goals and conceded none, and are one of the best teams in the competition heading into the Round of 16.
History rewrites the World Cup history books
Ecuador’s win was Mexico’s first World Cup win since Bulgaria in the 1986 home game. Since then, El Tri have endured seven eliminations in the knock-out competition before ending up in a needless tournament.The recent victory created another record, as Mexico became the first country since Italy at the 1990 World Cup to start the tournament with four consecutive victories. Italy have played five straight games in that edition, and it will be interesting to see if Mexico can match it or not.Aguirre, who was part of Mexico’s 1986 squad and has experienced several disappointments at the World Cup as a player and coach, admitted the result was important.“It means a lot to me because I’m one of those who couldn’t go forward,” Aguirre said. “We’re in the 16th round and it’s happening with a great connection with the fans. We’re like a family. It’s amazing.”
Quiñones and Jiménez lead another clinical show
After the restart was delayed by an hour, Mexico settled for their level.Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a powerful finish before turning the assist nine minutes later for Raúl Jiménez, who doubled the advantage with a creative strike.Quiñones, named Player of the Match, praised their efforts rather than success.“Working together is what’s so important these days,” he said. “You can be independent, but it is possible because of the success of the team. That’s our opinion. We have to keep fighting. That’s the way life is: you fight, and fight, and fight until you get what you want. Thank you to everyone who supported us and believed in us.”Behind the attack, striker Raúl Rangel and defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez ensured that Mexico remained unbeaten in defence, stretching their clean sheet to four matches.The players will now face the winner of the England-DR Congo Round of 32 match as they look to continue their historic World Cup campaign on home soil.
