Just hours before their clash with co-hosts Mexico, the Ecuadorian team accused their team of 'harassment'.
SunSport reported that hundreds of Mexican fans gathered outside the hotel where the South American team was staying, using car and motorcycle horns, trumpets, and drums to create a deafening noise that lasted until late at night.
The aim was to create chaos and prevent the Ecuadorian players from resting before the knockout match scheduled for 8:00 AM on July 1st ( Hanoi time).
Videos circulating on social media show crowds of people dressed in colorful Mexican attire standing outside the hotel, while car horns, engine noise, and cheers fill the air.
Several Ecuadorian players were seen standing by the hotel window watching what was happening below. This prompted the Ecuadorian Football Federation to immediately file a formal complaint with the 2026 World Cup organizing committee.
In its statement, the Ecuadorian Football Federation did not specify which actions were being protested against, but emphasized that 'off-football incidents' before the match went against the values of the tournament.
"We have submitted a complaint to the Organizing Committee regarding several non-football-related incidents before the match," the Ecuadorian Football Federation stated in a press release.
Ecuador stated that these actions went against the spirit of "fairness, equality, and solidarity." They requested that the responsible authorities clarify the matter and take measures to protect Ecuadorian players, coaching staff, and fans.
"We hope that these unsportsmanlike actions will not overshadow this celebration of solidarity between our two brotherly nations, where respect, fair competition, and fair play are paramount," the Ecuadorian Football Federation emphasized.
Ecuador's final message was brief but defiant: "Ecuador will respond to that action on the pitch."
The pressure from Mexican fans comes as the home team is having a dream start to the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico won all three group stage matches without conceding a single goal, becoming one of the most impressive teams before entering the knockout stage.
However, Ecuador is not an easy opponent to defeat. The South American representative once came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in the final group stage match to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Due to thunderstorms and lightning around the Azteca Stadium, the Mexico-Ecuador match had to be postponed just before kick-off at 8:00 AM on July 1st (Hanoi time).
SunSport described dangerous lightning strikes around the Azteca Stadium area, forcing organizers to activate safety procedures.
Spectators who had entered the stadium had to wait, while players from both teams temporarily left the pitch and were only allowed to return after weather conditions stabilized.
Safety regulations are very strict; if lightning is detected within a radius of about 13 km around the stadium, the match must be temporarily suspended or not allowed to start.
The minimum waiting time is 15 minutes from the last recorded lightning strike.
The interruption also forced the Mexican and Ecuadorian players to warm up again before the match, in order to avoid the risk of injury after the waiting time.
The non-football-related issues only added to the suspense at Azteca, as this was a knockout match, and the losing team would end their journey in the 2026 World Cup.
Conversely, the winning team will advance to the Round of 16 to face the team that progressed from the England - Democratic Republic of Congo match, which takes place at 11 PM on July 1st (Hanoi time).
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/lien-tiep-su-co-truc-tran-mexico-ecuador-post783433.html
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