Mexico boast a fully fit squad for tonight’s World Cup round of 32 clash with Ecuador.
After being rested for co-hosts’ third group game, against Czechia, experienced striker Raul Jimenez is expected to return to the starting XI and spearhead the attack as Mexico look to reach the last-16 stage.
Goalkeeper Raul Rangel is set to retain his place between the posts despite Guillermo Ochoa's historic appearance against Czechia.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper was a substitute during the dead-rubber, coming on to become just the third player in football history, after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, to feature at six World Cups.
In the same game, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora also made headlines by becoming the youngest player ever to start a World Cup match for Mexico at just 17 years old. While another start appears unlikely, Mora remains an exciting option from the bench.
Mexico's defence has been one of the standout units at the tournament, and head coach Javier Aguirre is unlikely to alter a back four that is yet to concede in the tournament. Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez and Jesus Gallardo are all expected to keep their places.
Ecuador also enter the knockout stage without any injury or suspension concerns, leaving head coach Sebastian Beccacece with little reason to make significant changes after the impressive victory over Germany.
Alan Franco is expected to continue alongside Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie in defence, while Gonzalo Plata could once again start after scoring the decisive goal in the previous match.
Enner Valencia remains Ecuador's biggest attacking threat, despite being 36 years old. The country's all-time leading scorer is just one goal away from reaching the landmark of 50 international goals and will be eager to achieve that milestone on football's biggest stage.
Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo is now the captain after replacing Valencia.
Mexico predicted XI: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira, Romo, Gutierrez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones.
Ecuador predicted XI: Galindez; Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Yeboah, Caicedo, Vite, Angulo; Plata, Valencia
Time and date: 2am BST on Wednesday June 30, 2026
Venue: Azteca Stadium, Mexico City
How to watch: ITV
