Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 did more than secure a spot in the Round of 16; it carried immense historical weight, as “El Tri” finally broke a streak that had haunted them for four decades. The team entered the match burdened by a long history of knockout-stage struggles. Not since 1986—when they defeated Bulgaria on penalties in the Round of 16—had Mexico won a knockout match at the World Cup, suffering a string of heartbreaks in every tournament since. Victory against Ecuador finally ended that drought. Mexico’s dominant performance resulted in a well-deserved…