Mexico's historic World Cup victory over Ecuador ignites wild celebrations as fans turn streets into carnival | WATCH

The streets of Mexico erupted in widespread celebrations after El Tri sealed a historic 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 match on Wednesday (Tuesday late night in North America) at Estadio Azteca.

For decades, Mexican fans have endured heartbreak as their team repeatedly stumbled at this stage, fuelling talk of a lingering curse. But that narrative has been rewritten, as El Tri broke the four-decade drought after securing their place in the knockout rounds and igniting celebrations across the nation.

Fans celebrate on the streets after Mexico's historic World Cup knockout win

Following Mexico's historic victory over Ecuador, the El Tri faithful took over the streets of the capital.

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With huge fireworks being set off, fans were seen celebrating by waving flags and cheering loudly as they commemorated the win at the Angel of Independence, a famous roundabout in Mexico City.

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Mexico's match was being shown live in the region, with fans coming together and celebrating every goal the team scored. The streets turned into a carnival once the World Cup co-hosts won the match, advancing to the round of 16.

Quinones, Jimenez help Mexico seal 2-0 win in knockouts

For Mexico, Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez netted goals to keep the team ahead of the opposition at Estadio Azteca, with Quinones scoring in the 22nd minute. Jimenez did not take long to capitalise on the lead as he added a goal in the 31st minute.

Quinones became the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history for Mexico, scoring three goals overall. Javier "Chicharito" Hernández and Luis "El Matador" Hernández are currently the joint leaders, scoring four goals each.

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Notably, Mexico were eliminated from the World Cup round of 32 stage from 1994 to 2018. In the 2022 edition in Qatar, El Tri failed to go past the group stage.

The last time the World Cup hosts won a round of 16 knockout match was in 1986 when they defeated Bulgaria. El Tri's next opponent will be determined once the round of 23 is wrapped up.