Piero Hincapié became the second player in World Cup history to be sent off for covering his mouth. His actions with Ecuador already trailing 2-0 and staring at a round-of-32 exit baffled a journalist who likened the thought process behind the decision to dark matter in space.

The 2026 World Cup reached fever pitch as Piero Hincapié was sent off in the dying seconds of the match.

For the first time since hosting the 1986 World Cup, Mexico are moving on in the knockout stages. Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Tuesday,

The U.S. will face Belgium on Monday in the round of 16, but without striker Folarin Balogun, who received a red card during Wednesday's victory.