Ananya Lohia , Mexico - Mexico national football team booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ecuador, ending a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage win.

After a one-hour delay due to stormy weather, Mexico dominated proceedings at the Azteca Stadium. Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a powerful solo strike before setting up Raúl Jimenez, who doubled the lead with a superb finish before half-time. Ecuador struggled to mount a comeback after the break despite several substitutions, while Mexico remained in control throughout. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel also made key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The victory marked Mexico's first World Cup knockout win since 1986, the last time the country hosted the tournament. It also extended their unbeaten World Cup record at the Azteca Stadium to 10 matches.

Mexico will now face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Round of 16, with hopes of continuing their impressive run on home soil before the tournament shifts entirely to the United States for the quarter-finals onward.