World Cup: Co-hosts Mexico and revived Ecuador clash for Round of 16 spot

Mexico host Ecuador in the sixth Round of 32 tie at the 2026 World Cup. The co-hosts won all their group stage games, while Ecuador did the unthinkable to make the knockout stages with a sensational victory over Germany.

This is only the second knockout fixture for Ecuador as they lost the first to England in Stuttgart two decades ago. Mexico were knocked out in the Round of 16 stage for seven consecutive tournaments before their group stage exit four years ago.

Piero Hincapié, who has completed his permanent transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Arsenal, continues to play left-back for Ecuador. Hamburg-born John Yeboah and Eintracht Frankfurt center-back Willian Pacho, who has won the Champions League in both of his first two seasons at PSG, also have previous Bundesliga connections.  

Confirmed Mexico vs. Ecuador Lineups

Mexico XI: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes ©, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira, Romo, Mora; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones

Ecuador XI: Galindez; Franco, Ordóñez, Pacho, Hincapié; Yeboah, Vite, Caicedo ©, Angulo; Plata, Valencia