Watch: Jubilant fans take over the streets of Mexico after historic World Cup win
The wait is finally over and Mexico is celebrating like never before. Minutes after El Tri sealed a memorable 2-0 victory over Ecuador to reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, thousands of fans poured into the streets of Mexico City, turning the capital into one giant party.
Flags flew from cars, fireworks lit up the night sky and chants rang out through packed squares as supporters celebrated a 40-year World Cup knockout victory.
The emotional scenes reflected what the result meant for the entire nation. For decades, Mexico became synonymous with the heart of the round of 16, falling at the first knockout hurdle seven times in a row between 1994 and 2018 before failing to get out of the group stage in 2022. That painful chapter finally came to an end on Tuesday night.
FIFA shared a video of the celebrations at X, calling it a “historic night” with fans dancing, hugging and singing long after the final whistle.
“Scenes in Mexico City! Fans celebrate historic night as Mexico win their second FIFA World Cup knockout match exactly 40 years after their first,” FIFA wrote.
The celebrations were sparked by a spectacular display at the Azteca Stadium. Julian Quinones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute before Raul Jimenez doubled Mexico’s advantage nine minutes later to complete a 2-0 victory over Ecuador.
It was Mexico’s first knockout stage victory since defeating Bulgaria at the 1986 World Cup, which was also held on home soil. The home side have now kept four consecutive clean sheets in the tournament, underscoring the resilience of the defense that has made them one of the surprise packages of the competition.
The significance of the moment was not lost on head coach Javier Aguirre, who played on Mexico’s 1986 World Cup team and also experienced several painful exits from the gazebo.
“It means a lot to me because I’m one of those who couldn’t advance in the knockout stages,” Aguirre said. “We’re in the round of 16 and we have a great connection with the fans. We’re like a family. It’s spectacular.”
The bond between the team and its supporters was evident throughout the evening. As the second half continued, thousands inside Azteca repeatedly chanted “Y si si?” or “What if?” a slogan that has become the heart of Mexico’s World Cup campaign as belief continues to grow.
Ecuador controlled more possession after the break but rarely looked able to break down Mexico’s disciplined defence. Goalkeeper Hernan Galindez made a superb save to deny captain Cesar Montes, while Montes later headed another chance wide.
Aguirre was able to enjoy the occasion and give a standing ovation to his strikers and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who became the youngest player to start a World Cup match since Pelé.
“It’s a shame Mora ran out of gas, but he’s just a kid. He’s brave,” Aguirre said. “All the players ran a lot.
Ecuador’s frustration boiled over late in the match when defender Piero Hincapie was sent off after an altercation with Santiago Gimenez.
When the final whistle blew, the famous mariachi anthem *El Rey* rang out around the Azteca as the players and supporters celebrated together. Outside the stadium, the party was just getting started.
For one night, the streets of Mexico belonged to a team that finally lifted the weight of four decades of disappointment. And with the hosts yet to concede a goal in the tournament, many supporters are beginning to believe that there are plenty more chapters to be written in this World Cup saga.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
01 Jul 2026 12:13 IST