Mexico and Ecuador face off at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Sunday (June 30) in the 19th game of 2024 Copa America. Both sides have picked up three points apiece. El Tri require a win to advance to the quarterfinals, while a point will suffice for Ecuador.
Mexico kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Jamaica, with Gerardo Arteaga scoring the winner. They then lost 1-0 to Venezuela. Despite dominating proceedings, Julian Quinones gave away a penalty early in the second half, which La Vinotinto duly converted.
The North American side were awarded a spot-kick to level the scores late in the game but failed to capitalise, as Orbelin Pineda saw his tame effort saved by Rafael Romo.
Ecuador, meanwhile, succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Venezuela in their group opener last week. They, however, returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Jamaica.
They profited from an own goal and a Kendry Paez penalty to secure a two-goal lead at the break before Alan Minda came off the bench to wrap up the points for Felix Sanchez's men.
Mexico vs Ecuador Head-to-Head
There have been 26 meetings between the two nations, with Mexico winning 17 and losing just four.
The two sides last faced off in a friendly in June 2022, which ended goalless, marking the first draw between the two teams since 2011.
Mexico Form Guide (Copa America): L-W
Ecuador Form Guide (Copa America): W-L
Mexico vs Ecuador: Numbers you need to know before their 2024 Copa America encounter
Ecuador are the second-highest-scoring side at the 2024 Copa America, with four goals.
El Tri have won one of their last four games in this fixture after winning three of their previous four.
Defeat on Sunday will see La Tricolor crash out of the group stage for the eighth time in their last 10 Copa appearances.
Mexico are 15th in the FIFA rankings, 15 places above Ecuador.