MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s dream 2026 FIFA World Cup 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 straight wins without conceding a single goal.Javier Aguirre’s side maintained their unblemished run with a 2-0 win over Ecuador in the Round of 32, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout stage win as they extended their remarkable defensive run to four clean sheets.Mexico have now won all four games, scored eight goals and conceded none, emerging as one of the tournament’s standout teams heading into the Round of 16.
The historic start rewrites the World Cup record books
The win over Ecuador marked Mexico’s first World Cup triumph since defeating Bulgaria in the 1986 tournament at home. Since then, El Tri had suffered seven straight eliminations in the knockout rounds before finally ending the unwanted streak.The latest victory also created another piece of history, with Mexico becoming the first nation since Italy in the 1990 World Cup to start a tournament with four consecutive victories in a row. Italy played five straight clean sheets in that edition, and it will be interesting to see if Mexico can match it or not.Aguirre, who was part of the Mexico 1986 team and experienced many disappointments in the World Cup as a player and coach, admitted that the result had a special meaning.“It means a lot to me because I’m one of those who couldn’t advance in the knockout stage,” Aguirre said. “We are in the round of 16 and it happens with a great connection with the fans. We are like a family. It is spectacular.”
Quiñones and Jiménez led another clinical demonstration
After a time delay that delayed kick-off by 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 lead with a composed strike.Quiñones, named Player of the Match, credited collective effort rather than individual brilliance.“Teamwork is what matters most today,” he said. “You can stand out as an individual, but this is only possible because of the great performance of the team. It is our mind. We have to keep fighting. That’s how life is: fight, fight and fight until you get what you want. Thanks to everyone who supports us and believes in us.”Behind the attack, goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez once again ensured Mexico remained unbeaten in defence, extending their clean sheet streak to four games.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.
