Mexico looks to end a four-decade wait

The Mexico national team heads into the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a historic group stage in which it won every match without conceding a single goal. The next challenge? Winning a World Cup knockout match for the first time in 40 years.

Since the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, El Tri has failed to advance past a knockout round. In this edition, Javier Aguirre's side is determined to rewrite that history and move one step closer to the long-awaited "fifth game."

The unforgettable victory of 1986

The last time Mexico celebrated a victory in the World Cup knockout stage was on June 15, 1986, when it defeated Bulgaria 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca to reach the quarterfinals. That night became unforgettable thanks to Manuel Negrete's spectacular goal, widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in FIFA World Cup history.

After that victory, Mexico's dream came to an end in the quarterfinals, where El Tri was eliminated by West Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout. Since then, that campaign has remained Mexico's last major success in the World Cup knockout rounds.

Ecuador stands as the next obstacle

Forty years later, fate once again gives Mexico the opportunity to play on home soil. The opponent will be Ecuador, a team that arrives full of confidence after advancing from the group stage and represents a significant challenge for Mexico's ambitions.

In addition, recent history favors Ecuador, as Mexico has been unable to defeat La Tri in their last three meetings.

Javier Aguirre's squad has inspired optimism thanks to its defensive solidity, collective balance, and blend of experienced veterans and emerging young talent. Its flawless group-stage campaign has fueled hopes that this generation can finally break a barrier that has haunted Mexican soccer for decades.

Backed by its passionate supporters and with Estadio Azteca as the stage, Mexico will attempt to write a new chapter in its history, ending a 40-year drought and taking the first step toward a World Cup campaign that could be remembered alongside the legendary run of 1986.