In Pictures: Mexico celebrates historic World Cup victory

Fireworks light up Mexico’s cities as fans toast historic knockout-round success and dream of a deeper run ahead.

Mexico erupted in celebration after the national team ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory, with street parties and gatherings reported across the country.

Following the 2-0 win over Ecuador at a packed Azteca Stadium, fans poured into plazas and neighbourhoods in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and smaller towns, waving flags, setting off fireworks and singing late into the night. In the capital’s historic centre, Zocalo, thousands dressed in green jerseys and draped in tricolour flags chanted the team’s rallying cry “Y si si?” (“What if?”) as car horns and drumbeats echoed around the square.

Mariachi bands played classics, including “El Rey”, while families and friends hugged and danced, some climbing lampposts and monuments to celebrate the long-awaited win. Similar scenes were reported outside bars, fan zones and community screens nationwide, where older supporters spoke of reliving memories from 1986 and younger fans said they were witnessing history for the first time.

With Mexico now into the last 16, many supporters say the celebrations are just beginning, convinced that this World Cup could finally deliver a deeper run on home soil.

Read the full story at Al Jazeera ↗

Mexico's national football team has advanced to the World Cup knockout round following a 2-0 victory over Ecuador. The result ended a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage win. Celebrations took place in cities across the country, with crowds gathering in public spaces, bars, and fan zones. Supporters displayed flags, set off fireworks, and gathered in significant numbers in locations including Mexico City's Zocalo plaza, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The team now faces the last 16 stage of the tournament.

Read the full story at Al Jazeera ↗

Fireworks light up Mexico’s cities as fans toast historic knockout-round success and dream of a deeper run ahead.

Mexico erupted in celebration after the national team ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory, with street parties and gatherings reported across the country.

Following the 2-0 win over Ecuador at a packed Azteca Stadium, fans poured into plazas and neighbourhoods in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and smaller towns, waving flags, setting off fireworks and singing late into the night. In the capital’s historic centre, Zocalo, thousands dressed in green jerseys and draped in tricolour flags chanted the team’s rallying cry “Y si si?” (“What if?”) as car horns and drumbeats echoed around the square.

Mariachi bands played classics, including “El Rey”, while families and friends hugged and danced, some climbing lampposts and monuments to celebrate the long-awaited win. Similar scenes were reported outside bars, fan zones and community screens nationwide, where older supporters spoke of reliving memories from 1986 and younger fans said they were witnessing history for the first time.

With Mexico now into the last 16, many supporters say the celebrations are just beginning, convinced that this World Cup could finally deliver a deeper run on home soil.

Read the full story at Al Jazeera ↗

Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in a World Cup knockout match at Azteca Stadium This was Mexico's first World Cup knockout victory in 40 years Street celebrations occurred across Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and smaller towns following the victory Thousands gathered in Mexico City's Zocalo plaza wearing green jerseys and displaying tricolour flags Fireworks were set off and mariachi music played during celebrations Mexico has advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup Many supporters believe this World Cup could deliver a deeper run for Mexico

Read the full story at Al Jazeera ↗

• Mexico's national team defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the World Cup knockout round, ending a 40-year drought in the competition's elimination stages
• Celebrations erupted across Mexican cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, with street parties, fireworks, and gatherings in public plazas
• Mexico has advanced to the last 16, with supporters expressing hope for a deeper tournament run