Slovenian Slavko Vincic will referee Mexico vs Ecuador in the World Cup

The Paraguayan team achieved a historic ticket to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. They beat Germany 4-3 in the penalty shootout, after drawing 1-1 in regular time. The game was played at Boston Stadium.

The feat from the eleven steps

Paraguay missed its last two penalties in the shootout, which gave life to Germany. However, in sudden death, Tah missed his shot and Canale scored the goal that sealed the South American pass.

In the first half, at minute 42, Julio Enciso opened the scoring with a header inside the six-yard box. The shot surpassed German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the rival defense.

Germany reacted in the second half. At 54, Kai Havertz equalized with a solid header. German dominance grew, but goalkeeper Orlando Gill responded with several key saves to maintain the tie.

The score did not move in the 90 minutes, so the game went to extra time. Near the end of the first overtime period, Germany scored a goal that was disallowed for a foul against Gill.

Both teams searched for the winning goal without success. On penalties, Germany missed three shots and Paraguay hit four. The classification was defined in the round.

Now Paraguay awaits a rival for the round of 16: it will emerge from the duel between France and Sweden.

Gallardo: “Another tournament begins”

The Mexican National Team reaches the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup with perfect progress in the group stage. Their rival will be Ecuador, which advanced as one of the best third parties after an agonizing victory over Germany.

Jesús Gallardo, Tri side and Toluca player, spoke to the media before the game. Recognize that previous performance is behind.

“We are very proud of what we achieved, but we believe that now the good thing is coming, another tournament begins. We are motivated but calm because we have not won anything and we believe that we can make history.”

The match will be played at the Mexico City stadium. Gallardo considers that playing at home is an advantage, although they do not feel like favorites.

“I don’t know if we are the favorites, but we are at home, with our people, and we want to advance to the next round without detracting from Ecuador, since we know the quality of players they have.”

Knowledge of the rival

Gallardo was called up to last October’s friendly between both teams in Guadalajara. That’s why he knows the team led by Sebastián Beccacece.

“They are a very dynamic team that attacks very well, obviously the defense is also very good. But we have to focus on ourselves. Javier Aguirre will tell us about their virtues and defects, and we must take advantage of it.”

For Gallardo, who is playing in his third World Cup, the match represents a historic opportunity. Without triumphalism, El Tri seeks to continue advancing in the tournament played at home.

Matías Almeyda, technical director of Rayados, recognized the role of the Mexican fans during the 2026 World Cup. After a practice with the Monterrey team, the Argentine strategist highlighted how local fans support not only the Mexican National Team, but also other teams that play in national territory.

A support that transcends borders

Almeyda pointed out that FIFA should recognize the impact of Mexicans in the stands. “They fill all the stadiums, they support South Korea, they support Holland and they live football like a party,” he said. For him, that energy is one of the great assets of the tournament.

The technician also highlighted consumption within the venues as a key benefit for the organization. “There will be Mexicans everywhere giving joy, both in Mexico and in the United States and Canada,” he added.

Praise to the Mexican headquarters

Almeyda considered that Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey offer first-class venues to host World Cup matches. “The work done in these cities is excellent,” he commented.

Maintain trust in El Tri

Finally, he supported the Mexican National Team and asked to believe more in the national team. “We have to believe more in the Mexican because they can reach the final,” he concluded.