Ecuador secured their passage into the Copa América quarter-finals for only the third time in ten attempts, following a goalless draw with Mexico in Arizona.
This result was enough for La Tricolor to book a place in the last eight, where they will face reigning champions Argentina.
The stakes were high from the outset, with both teams vying for progression to the knockout stages. Mexico, needing a win to advance, began nervously. Captain César Montes received a booking within six minutes, signaling the tension that would characterize the match. The contest quickly turned into a stop-start affair, marked by frequent fouls and rising tempers.
Ecuador gradually took control, creating several half-chances. The closest came from a Kendry Páez free-kick, which nearly snuck in at the near post but was turned away by Julio González. Despite their dominance, Ecuador couldn't break the deadlock before halftime, and Mexico struggled offensively, failing to register a single shot on target in the first half.
The second half saw a revitalized Mexican side. With 45 minutes to avoid elimination, Jaime Lozano’s team pushed forward. Cesar Huerta was a constant threat down the right flank and thought he had won a penalty after a handball by an Ecuador defender, but a VAR review ruled otherwise. Further penalty appeals followed when Gerardo Arteaga was brought down in the box, but again, VAR sided with Ecuador.
As time dwindled, Mexico intensified their efforts. Santiago Giménez struck the post after a rebound, inches away from giving his team the lead. In stoppage time, Guillermo Martínez was brought down, and the referee initially awarded a penalty. However, a final VAR check overturned the decision, sealing Mexico’s fate.
Ecuador's resolute defense held firm, securing the draw they needed. This result sets up a high-stakes quarter-final clash with Argentina, while Mexico exits the tournament, failing to progress from the group stage for just the third time in their history.
Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo was named man of the match for his tireless work in the midfield, helping Ecuador withstand Mexico’s late onslaught and secure their place in the knockout stages.