MEXICO CITY– A 40 year drought ended last night for team Mexico, before a  delirious crowd at Azteca stadium El Tri defeated Ecuador, 2-0 on Tuesday night, June 30 to break a four-decade drought in the knockout stage and progress to the round of 16.

Team Mexico once  again got off to a quick start, Julian Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and Raul Jiménez added a goal in the 31st for the Mexicans, who had not won a knockout-stage match since defeating Bulgaria in the round of 16 when they hosted the tournament in 1986.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was one of the starting midfielders in that ’86 team. Just more proof of how special and magnificent this World Cup has been.

“It means a lot to me because I am one of those who could not progress in the knockout stage,” Aguirre said. “We are in the round of 16 and it is happening a great connection with the fans. We are like a family. It is spectacular.”

Mexico lost seven consecutive times at that same stage from 1994 to 2018 and didn’t advance past the group stage in 2022.

Mexico’s next opponent is England, who made a terrific comeback against Congo DR on Wednesday, July 1. Trailing 1-0 late in the second half, Captain Harry Kane saved  the day by scoring two amazing goals in the victory.

Fans across the Southland took to the streets across Los Angeles on Tuesday night to celebrate Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the World Cup.

Similar celebrations occurred in Huntington Park and Boyle Heights, where crowds shut down intersections. Fans proudly waved Mexican flags, danced in unison and executed its fan tradition of tossing people in the air and catching them while chanting.

At times, illegal fireworks and drivers taking over streets to perform doughnuts were observed. As of Tuesday night, law enforcement has not announced any arrests in connection with the festivities.

A battle of the titans will take place on Sunday night, July 5 between England and Mexico at the iconic Azteca stadium.

Playing at the iconic Azteca Stadium, the Mexican squad boasts an undefeated record across 10 World Cup matches.

That’s quite a home field advantage.

Families and groups of friends erupted in cheers, while some fans tossed others into the air amidst the roar of the crowd.

Mexico and England are set to face off in a highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 matchup. Sunday night, 5:00 PM on Fox, The high-stakes game will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.