Quinones leads Mexico into World Cup last 16

Players of Mexico celebrate after winning the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico, June 30, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Julian Quinones scored one goal and set up another as Mexico reached the World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Ecuador.

Quinones put his side ahead at Mexico City Stadium following a swift counterattack, and he then turned provider for Raul Jimenez to double the lead.

It marked Mexico's first victory in the World Cup knockout stage since it last hosted the tournament in 1986.

El Tri will play either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Mexico City on July 5.

Referees, players of Mexico and Ecuador enter the field before the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico, June 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Gilberto Mora (L) of Mexico vies with Willian Pacho of Ecuador during the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico, June 30, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

Willian Pacho of Ecuador (R) is challenged by Gilberto Mora of Mexico during the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico, June 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Roberto Alvarado (L) of Mexico vies with Gonzalo Plata of Ecuador during the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico, June 30, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

Players of Mexico pose for group photos before the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico, June 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Starting players of Mexico huddle before the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico, June 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)