President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated the Mexican national team after they defeated Ecuador 2-0 [1] during the 2026 World Cup.

The victory is a historic milestone for Mexican soccer, ending a four-decade drought of advancing past the group stage to the knockout rounds.

Sheinbaum expressed her support for the team following the match on June 30, 2024 [2]. The win allows Mexico to advance to the "fifth game" of the tournament [1]. According to reports, this is the first time the team has achieved this feat in 40 years [1].

During the celebration, Sheinbaum shared her excitement for the result. "Gooooool," she said [2].

The match result of 2-0 [1] secures Mexico's place in the next round of the competition. While some reports differed on the opponent in the opening match, the victory over Ecuador served as the catalyst for this progression [1].

The team's performance has drawn significant national attention as the host country seeks a deep run in the tournament. The achievement marks a shift in the team's international standing, breaking a long-standing cycle of early exits from the World Cup.

“Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the 'fifth game' of the World Cup.”

Advancing to the round of 16, or the 'fifth game,' represents a psychological breakthrough for Mexico, which has historically struggled to move beyond the group stage. By breaking a 40-year streak of early exits, the team validates its current tactical approach and increases national momentum during a home tournament.