FIFA World Cup 2026: Quinones, Jimenez shine as Mexico continue historic run; equal clean sheet record
Mexico City, July 1
Mexico continued their fine FIFA World Cup run, beating Ecuador 2-0 on home soil, continuing their run as the only team that has not conceded in their first four matches of the tournament, becoming the first team to do so since 1994.
Mexico advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ecuador in their Round of 32 clash on Tuesday (local time), ending a long wait for a knockout-stage triumph at the tournament.
As per Opta Analyst, they are the first team since 1994 to keep a clean sheet in their first four FIFA World Cup matches, after Switzerland in 2006.
The win marked Mexico's first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory since 1986 and snapped an eight-match streak of eliminations in World Cup knockout fixtures, the longest such run in the competition's history.
*Magic of Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez
As per Opta Analyst, Julian (three goals) and Raul (two goals), who found the net once each in the match, became the second pair of Mexico players to score multiple goals in a single FIFA WC, after Luis Hernandez (4), Ricardo Pelaez (2) in 1998.
Julian also joined Manuel Negrete (versus Bulgaria in 1986) as the second Mexican player to register a goal and deliver an assist in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
Now, Julian has secured four goal involvements in the ongoing FIFA World Cup (with three goals and an assist), levelling with Luis Hernandez (four goals) in the 1998 WC for most by a Mexican in a single WC.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Mexico's knockout curse is finally broken! After 8 straight eliminations, they've done it with style - 2-0 against Ecuador. Raul Jimenez's leadership is reminding me of our Indian cricket team's resilience. Wish we could see more Asian teams reach this level of consistency in World Cups. 🏆
Impressive defensive record by Mexico, no doubt. But I feel Ecuador didn't play to their potential - too many long balls. Julian Quinones seems to be the next big thing in Mexican football. India needs to develop more players who can perform under pressure like him. Khelo India should take notes! 📝
Mexico's clean sheet record is amazing - 4 matches without conceding! 🧤 It shows how organized their defense is. I remember watching India play in Asian Cup and wishing we had such tactical discipline. Quinones and Jimenez pairing is reminiscent of great duos. Proud moment for Latin American football!
Mexico's resurgence is a lesson for all teams - patience and consistency pay off. After 8 knockout failures, they finally broke through. Julian Quinones with 4 goal involvements is outstanding! As an Indian football enthusiast, I'm motivated to see smaller football nations rise. Hope AIFF studies their talent development model. 🇮🇳⚽
Honestly, while Mexico's run is historic, I think the competition hasn't been top-tier yet. Ecuador was average and earlier opponents weren't elite. The real test will come against stronger teams in quarterfinals. But credit where due - Quinones is a joy to
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