Mexico dominated possession in a must-win game against Ecuador in the Copa America Group B finale on Monday morning, but ultimately could not find the back of the net and had to settle for a scoreless draw — and elimination — in front of a friendly crowd at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
Ecuador advances to face defending champion and Group A winner Argentina in the quarterfinals as the Group B runner-up, while El Tri now faces massive questions just two years ahead of 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup which Mexico co-hosts with the United States and Canada.
Mexico was initially given a penalty after Felix Torres’ tackle on Guillermo Martinez, but VAR showed that Torres’ foot made contact with the ball first.
Mexico had one more chance before the final whistle, but ultimately could not score as the game ended in a scoreless draw and elimination for El Tri.
The scoreless draw in the final game of Group B, solidifying their third-place status, which was not enough to advance into the Copa America knockout stages.
Venezuela topped the group thanks to three consecutive wins, while Ecuador finished in second with the same record as Mexico, but it advanced due to superior goal difference (plus-one to zero).
Ecuador will now play Lionel Messi and the defending champions Argentina in the quarterfinal on Thursday, July 4. Venezuela will meet Canada.
Mexico will now again have to return to the drawing board after not advancing past the 2022 World Cup group stage, either.
But El Tri may not be the first major exit in the tournament. The U.S. men’s national team could follow suit Monday but if it cannot get a result against Uruguay, which will instead see Panama advance.
