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Casablanca – Mexico and Ecuador meet on Wednesday in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup, with a place in the knockout stage quarterfinals on the line.
El Tri advanced after finishing top of Group A with a perfect record, while Ecuador booked their place in the knockout rounds after a decisive 2-1 victory over Germany in their final group-stage fixture.
Mexico will also benefit from home support as the co-host nation looks to continue its strong tournament run against an Ecuador side full of confidence after upsetting one of the tournament favourites.
Match Details
Fixture: Mexico vs Ecuador
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium), Mexico City
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. local time (Mexico City) / 9:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 a.m. GMT (Wednesday, July 1)
Where to Watch: beIN SPORTS (MENA), FOX & Telemundo (USA), ITV1 (UK), SBS (Australia)
Mexico team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Mexico has no injury or suspension concerns ahead of the knockout clash.
Recent Form: Javier Aguirre’s side topped Group A after victories over South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia, finishing the group stage with three wins from three.
Key Players: Raul Jimenez is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested against Czechia, while Julian Quinones has impressed throughout the tournament with two goals. Luis Romo and Erik Lira are also expected to return in midfield.
Likely XI: L. Rangel; J. Sanchez, E. Alvarez, J. Vasquez, J. Gallardo; L. Romo, E. Lira, E. Gutierrez; R. Alvarado, R. Jimenez, J. Quinones.
Ecuador team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Ecuador also enters the match with a fully fit squad and no suspensions.
Recent Form: Sebastian Beccacece’s side qualified from Group E after defeating Germany 2-1 in their final group-stage match. Ecuador previously drew with Curacao and narrowly lost to Ivory Coast.
Key Players: Moises Caicedo remains Ecuador’s midfield leader, while Gonzalo Plata and veteran striker Enner Valencia will be central to the team’s attacking hopes. Joel Ordonez and William Pacho are expected to continue in central defence.
Likely XI: H. Galindez; A. Franco, J. Ordonez, W. Pacho, P. Hincapie; J. Yeboah, M. Caicedo, P. Vite, K. Angulo; G. Plata, E. Valencia.
What to expect
Mexico is expected to control possession and rely on the energy of its home crowd to dictate the tempo early in the match. Aguirre’s side has looked organized throughout the tournament and should benefit from the return of several rested starters.
Ecuador, however, has already shown it can compete against elite opposition after defeating Germany to secure qualification. Caicedo’s midfield presence and Valencia’s experience in front of goal could create problems for Mexico if the match becomes stretched in transition.
Prediction: Mexico 2-1 Ecuador.
