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2026-07-01
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← Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 in weather-delayed World Cup last-32 match at Estadio Azteca to reach round of 16
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World Cup LIVE: Mexico set up potential England clash as Arsenal star gets unbelievable red card

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World Cup LIVE: Mexico set up potential England clash as Arsenal star gets unbelievable red card Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco and Norway are all through to the round of 16, while more mouth-watering World Cup ties await on Tuesday night After lightning caused a long wait, Mexico exploded out of the blocks to beat Ecuador in their round of 32 World Cup clash. Huge lightning bolts forced the match to be postponed for an hour as drenched fans looked for shelter. However, when the weather improved, Mexico were the ones who were red hot as goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez found the net to set up a potential meeting with England. If Thomas Tuchel's side overcome DR Congo in the round of 32, they will face the Mexicans at the Azteca in the last 16. While FIFA was issuing a statement about the delay, referee chief Pierluigi Collina was doing some explaining of his own. He issued an explanation as to why Germany's winning goal against Paraguay was controversially disallowed by VAR, before the South Americans knocked them out on penalties. Before the weather opened up, England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed Jarrell Quansah and Reece James will both be absent from this evening's clash against DR Congo. Both players were expected to be injured, but the news was confirmed by the Three Lions boss in his recent press conference. However, Tuchel has said Bukayo Saka will be fit enough to start, providing the German manager chooses to deploy him in his starting eleven. With many big teams already exiting, Tuchel will be ensuring his players do not underestimate the West Africans. He will be looking for a similar performance to some of England's fierce rivals. France sent a statement to the rest of the World Cup pack with an ominously dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden. Kylian Mbappe moved himself level with Lionel Messi in the World Cup goal-scoring charts with an emphatic brace, while Bradley Barcola also got in on the act. French players mobilised to celebrate with manager Didier Deschamps, who recently returned to the USA for the tournament after briefly flying back to France to mourn the death of his mother. On the other side of the draw, Norway marched into the round of 32 with a hard fought victory over the Ivory Coast in Dallas, courtesy of Erling Haaland's late winner. Those clashes proceeded Germany and the Netherlands' shock exits on penalties to Paraguay and Morocco respectively. Stay tuned as Mirror Football the latest updates from the United States, Canada and Mexico... Key Events This was the moment Piero Hincapie became the second player ever to be red carded for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent. England are not the only ones who will be in action over the next 24 hours Mexico have beaten Ecuador 2-0 to reach the last 16. They will be back at the Azteca to face either England or DR Congo. Arsenal and Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie has become the second player to be red carded for confronting an opponent while covering his mouth. Ecuador are now down to ten men FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Iran after their World Cup exit. They would have moved into the round of 32 were it not for a marginal offside that was spotted by VAR. However, it wasn't to be for the Iranians, who drew all three matches and were only just outside the highest third place finishers on goal difference. Their competition could not have been harder as they had to fly into the US and fly back out to their base in Tijuana, Mexico on the day of their matches. In a tribute to the Asian nation, Infantino took to social media and wrote: "Remaining unbeaten through a challenging @fifaworldcup group stage is a remarkable feat that proved your exceptional quality and teamwork to the world. Unfortunately, it was not enough to progress, but your passion and desire was there for all to see. Thank you for playing with such heart and for giving everyone so much to be proud of." Julian Quinones has burst into the running for the World Cup Golden Boot with his goal for Mexico against Ecuador. Enner Valencia has just been taken off by Ecuador. As their record goalscorer, this decision may not go down well with many in the nation's fan base. I'm not sure even lightning will be able to stop Mexico right now. They are well in charge heading into the break! If Ecuador thought last night's fireworks were disruptive, this is nothing compared to Mexico's explosive first half display. Raul Jimenez has just blasted a finish into the top corner from 18 yards to double the co-host's lead. This is a statement display from Mexico! If you thought the lightning was loud, you will not be prepared for the roar of the Azteca. The mariachi music has been turned up to the max as Julian Quinones has just smashed a belter into the top corner. That goal was well worth the wait for the home fans! For Ecuador, they will need to come from behind again! It looks like Ecuador players are still tired from their sleepless night last night. As they were busy not sleeping, Raul Jimenez would have been dreaming off the kind of cross he just received from his Mexico team-mate Luis Romo. He whips a vicious cross onto the head of the former Fulham forward, but Jimenez misses the target with the goal at his mercy. It's a huge warning for the Ecuadorians. Ecuador and Mexico are about to begin FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina has explained why Germany's late winner against Paraguay was disallowed by VAR. Julian Nagelsmann, the German coach, described the call to disallow Jonathan Tah's header as a "scandal". Collina has since explained the decision in a statement, saying: "Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents´ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene. "This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal. Coaches and players were informed so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls." Again, here is how Ecuador will shape up for their battle against Mexico. In case you need a reminder, here is how Mexico will line-up at the Azteca Stadium. Well that was a fun 15 minutes... It has been confirmed the hydration break WILL be used in this match. Initially, the hydration break was not going to be included in this game - sadly, Ecuador and Mexico will have to go for the ad...we mean...hydration break. Ecuador and Mexico have come out for their warm-up at the Azteca Stadium. The 3am kick-off time is still expected to go ahead! Mexico and Ecuador is expected to kick off at 3am - most interestingly for all, there will be NO hydration breaks. Those still awake in the UK will be thrilled by that result. There was chaos at the Fan Fest entrance on José María Pino Suárez Avenue before Mexico's round of 32 clash with Ecuador. Fans could be seen clashing with police officers by the fan zone, not long before their battle with the South Americans. It follows the disturbance caused to the Ecuadorians last night, which saw many fireworks be set off outside the hotel they were staying in. Ecuador and Mexico's World Cup round of 32 clash has been delayed as a result of thunderstorms. We are awaiting updates as to when the match will kick off. Mauricio Pochettino has apologised to USA football reporters after his prickly press conference last week. The ex-Chelsea boss was not impressed with questions about his side losing momentum after their 3-2 loss to Turkey. He made significant changes to his starting eleven having already got into the knockout stages as group winners. After the game, he looked baffled by the line of questioning, hitting out at the "weird" questions before telling the press pack they were acting as if the USA had been knocked out. Ahead of their round of 32 clash with Bosnia, he said: "I was frustrated and disappointed. It was my problem, not your problem. I was upset after the defeat, and I'm sorry." Ecuador will be looking to continue their momentum after beating Germany to dramatically secure their place in the round of 32 - here is how they will line-up against the Mexicans. World Cup co-hosts Mexico are about to play host to Ecuador. With their match kicking off at 2am, here is how they will line-up. England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Reece James and Jarrell Quansah will miss the World Cup round of 32 clash with DR Congo - however, he has confirmed Bukayo Saka will be fit enough to start. While James and Quansah are absent, they are expected to feature again in the tournament, providing England do not exit in the round of 32. With James still suffering from a hamstring issue and Quansah injuring his ankle against Paraguay, Tuchel confirmed they will not feature against DR Congo. He said: "They are getting closer and closer. "Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey. The race was close to even make it in the match squad for this time. We need to make sure we have more matches, that is the main focus, and then they will be available very soon." Kylian Mbappe’s brace just now means he is now joint-level with Lionel Messi in the battle for the Golden Boot. A brace from Kylian Mbappe and a Bradley Barcola strike set up a last-16 tie against Paraguay for France. Didier Deschamps’ side were superb after the first hydration break and, in truth, should have scored more. But 3-0 is enough to move them into the last-16. And it is easy to see why they are the favourites. Four minutes added on at New York New Jersey Stadium. Didier Deschamps has just taken Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise off, with Rayan Cherki and Jean-Philippe Mateta coming on in their place. I know it has been said quite a few times, but what depth France have in their squad. Sweden look like they want Danny Makkelie to blow the whistle for full-time now. "Where to start?" says Ally McCoist on commentary, and he’s right. France have scored some good goals in the tournament so far, but that was one of the best. Perfect football from start to finish. It ended with Michael Olise finding Kylian Mbappe, who was never going to miss. This game really is now over. Kylian Mbappe again and it is game over! The forward times his run perfectly before curling the ball past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

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Part of: Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 in weather-delayed World Cup last-32 match at Estadio Azteca to reach round of 16