World Cup co-host Mexico will begin its World Cup knockout stages with a Round of 16 match against Ecuador.
Mexico finished the group stage with three wins to finish top of Group A. This included the final of the tournament, where El Tri defeated South Africa 2-0, with Mexico City becoming the only city to host the opening match of the Men’s World Cup three times (1970, 1986, 2026).
Mexico then defeated South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara and finished with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
In their first playoff match of the tournament, Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the round of 16.
What’s next for Mexico at the World Cup? Here’s who Mexico will play in the round of 16 and its potential path to reaching the World Cup finals.
Who could Mexico play in the round of 16?
After Mexico’s win over Ecuador in the round of 16, it has two potential opponents it could face in the round of 16 – England or DR Congo.
England take on DR Congo in their round of 16 match on Wednesday at 12:00 pm ET on FOX and FOX One. England are currently one of the highest ranked teams in the FIFA World Rankings.
If Mexico advances to the Round of 16, it will play at Mexico City Stadium on Sunday, July 5 at 8:00 pm ET on FOX and FOX One.
Who might Mexico face in the quarter-finals?
If Mexico advances from the round of 16, it will have four potential quadrant opponents it could face in the quarterfinals – Brazil or Norway.
Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the round of 16 on Monday and Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their round of 16 match on Tuesday.
Who might Mexico face in the semi-finals?
Mexico has eight possible opponents in the semifinals, including Argentina. Mexico’s other seven potential semi-final opponents are Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana. Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia and Egypt make up one quadrant, with Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana in the adjacent quadrant.
If Mexico advances to the semifinals, it will play at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15 at 3:00 pm ET on FOX and FOX One.
Will Mexico play another match on home soil?
Mexico will play at least one more match at home, with the possibility of a second.
Mexico secured home advantage by playing their round of 16 match at Mexico City Stadium, winning Group A. After El Tri defeated Ecuador, they now have to play their round of 16 match at Mexico City Stadium.
However, if Mexico advances further into the quarterfinals and beyond, the rest of its path to the finals will fall entirely to the United States.
HOT START Mexico 🔥 Julian Quiñones and Raul Jimenez scored two goals in the first half against Ecuador
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored two first-half goals to give Mexico a 2-0 halftime lead.