Sheinbaum celebrates Mexico’s victory over Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup

Historic victory of Mexico

The “What if?” was heard loudly in the Azteca Stadium. The Mexican fans chanted the phrase that has become a flag of hope in this 2026 World Cup, just after the Tricolor beat Ecuador 2-0.

With goals from Julián Quiñones (22′) and Raúl Jiménez (31′), Mexico sealed its place in the round of 16. For the first time in its history, it has four wins in a World Cup, all without conceding a goal. Javier Aguirre’s team broke a 40-year streak without winning a direct elimination duel.

The first half was at a high level. From Raúl Rangel to Raúl Jiménez, everyone shone. Tricolor’s undefeated record in 2026 reached 12 games, with only two goals conceded throughout the year. Now the winner between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo awaits. On Sunday, the Colossus of Santa Úrsula will once again house more than 80 thousand souls.

Ecuador says goodbye

Ecuador arrived at the World Cup after a solid qualifying round: second in Conmebol, with only five goals conceded in 18 games. Their defense, led by elite European players, was their strength. But the attack did not work: just two goals in the group stage and none against Mexico. Sebastián Beccacece’s team said goodbye in the round of 32, without achieving their first victory in World Cup qualifying. The generation that excited their country leaves with a victory in the group stage and a broken heart.

Gilberto Mora’s present at the 2026 World Cup

In football a phrase is repeated: a player ‘is touched by God’. It refers to those who possess exceptional talent. Mexico does not always have figures like this, but Gilberto Mora changes that perception.

At 17 years old, the Xolos de Tijuana youth player not only shows quality with the ball. He also conveys an unusual calm for his age. He seems like a veteran, although he only has a couple of seasons as a professional.

This 2026 World Cup has been his consecration with the green shirt. He took advantage of Javier Aguirre’s opportunities and became the driving force of the midfield. In the decisive duel against Ecuador, it was one of the highlights at the Mexico City Stadium.

Mora asked for the ball, distributed it with precision and, as is customary, surpassed the defenders in one-on-one situations. In addition, he filtered passes that put rivals in trouble.

He also tried his luck from outside the area. In the 5th minute, he received a diagonal ball and finished just off the post. At 14′, a rebound allowed him to find the angle, but the shot went centimeters wide.

In the second half, Aguirre decided not to risk it and replaced him in the 58th minute. The Mexican National Team has promise in him. As far as the Tricolor goes in this Cup, Gilberto Mora excites fans with a promising future.

Defeat in the return of Serena Williams

Serena Williams returned to center court at Wimbledon after almost four years without playing singles. The 44-year-old American fell in the first round to the 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3.

Williams showed flashes of her best tennis: powerful serves, deep shots and a winning lob that ignited the crowd. However, he couldn’t sustain the pace. Joint, number 87 in the ranking, handled the pressure and closed the key points.

“I don’t know what just happened, to be honest. I didn’t sleep much last night. I was up until like 2 a.m. just thinking about it,” Joint said after the game.

The young Australian confessed the nerves of the moment:

“She has an incredible aura, she is a legend. I have dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl, so this is crazy.”

Williams had not played a singles match since the 2022 US Open. She arrived at Wimbledon with wild card invitations in both singles and doubles, where she will later play with her sister Venus. Her two daughters, Olympia and Adira, watched from the front row.

The match lasted 2 hours and 22 minutes. Both committed 37 unforced errors, but Joint led 40-26 in winners. Williams saved a match point in the second set, but could not beat her opponent’s consistency.

Joint achieved only his third singles victory at a Grand Slam. Born in 2006, when Williams already had seven major titles, she now has a historic triumph.

Other results

Second seed Alexander Zverev defeated Alexander Blockx in four sets. Iga Swiatek, defending champion, beat Taylor Townsend in three sets. Instead, fourth-seeded Ben Shelton lost in five sets to Finland’s Otto Virtanen. Matteo Berrettini eliminated Stan Wawrinka, who will retire at the end of the year.