A Mexican drug cartel allegedly threatened Ecuadorian national team players during the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Journalist Eduardo Feynman reported on Radio Mitre that the cartel contacted five players, gathered information about their families, and threatened them if Mexico did not win.
The match ended with Mexico winning 2-0. Julian Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 33rd minute.
Ecuador's Piero Incapié was sent off in the 90th minute for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
In Group E, Ecuador finished third with four points.
