2026 World Cup: Mexico vs. Ecuador, Probable Lineups

Mexico and Ecuador will face off on Wednesday night at 3 a.m. Italian time in a match for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Javier Aguirre’s team is in top form after a perfect group stage, while their opponents barely made it through and advanced as the best third-place team.

Santiago Gimenez is expected to start on the bench again; in his place will be the ever-reliable Raúl Jiménez, alongside Quinones and Alvarado in the attacking trio. The three-man midfield will consist of Lira, Romo, and Gutierrez, while in front of Rangel’s goal will be Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, and Gallardo.

Ecuador will need to pull off a major upset to reach the Round of 16, and Beccacece has decided to entrust the attacking burden to Valencia and Plata. Yeboah and Angulo will play on the wings, while Caicedo and Vite will form the central midfield pairing. At the back, Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, and Hincapie will shield the goal defended by Galindez.

Mexico vs. Ecuador: Probable Lineups
MEXICO (4-3-3): Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira, Romo, Gutierrez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones. Head Coach: Aguirre
ECUADOR (4-4-2): Galindez; Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Yeboah, Caicedo, Vite, Angulo; Plata, Valencia. Head Coach: Beccacece