Fireworks rained towards the hotel, horns blared past midnight, and Ecuador’s players peeked through their curtains as the disturbance ran into the early hours. Now La Tri have filed a formal complaint to FIFA, accusing host nation Mexico of conduct “far removed from the principles of fair play” – and England should watch closely. The winner of Tuesday’s Round of 32 clash at the Estadio Azteca could face Gareth Southgate’s side in the last 16, if both England and the victor beat DR Congo and Ecuador respectively.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) said in a statement it had submitted a complaint to organisers after Mexican fans targeted their team hotel in Mexico City. Supporters beeped horns, revved motorbikes, played musical instruments and sang offensive chants. Riot police arrived around midnight to try to prevent the situation from escalating. Video footage emerged of the Ecuador squad holding hands and praying together before the fixture.
“Ecuador file FIFA complaint after Mexican fans disrupt team hotel, travel delays hit preparation ahead of last-32 tie.”
“We respectfully call upon the relevant authorities to pay closer attention to these incidents and to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of our players, coaching staff, and supporters,” the FEF statement added. “We trust that these unsportsmanlike actions will not overshadow the football celebration that unites two brotherly nations.”
The turmoil off the pitch was compounded by travel chaos. Manager Sebastian Beccacece revealed Ecuador arrived at their hotel three hours and 20 minutes behind schedule after mysterious delays with their flight and coach. They endured a nine-hour travel day after setting off from their Columbus training base in Ohio on Monday morning – hardly ideal preparation for facing in-form Mexico. Ecuador had tried to change hotels once it emerged fans planned to gather outside the Westin Santa Fe.
Beccacece, however, struck a defiant tone. “We go, we compete, and we play, no complaints or excuses,” he said. “I am grateful. We might have tired features, but how could I be upset about being in a World Cup?”
For England, the episode serves as a warning of what could await at the Azteca, where Mexico have not lost a competitive match since 2019. The FEF concluded: “Ecuador will always respond to these unsportsmanlike actions on the field.” The response on Tuesday evening will determine whether England’s path in this World Cup gets even steeper.