World Cup 2026: Ecuador make Mexico fans hotel noise complaint
Ecuador have lodged a formal complaint with World Cup organisers regarding the conduct of Mexico supporters outside their team hotel ahead of their last-32 clash with the co-hosts. Local media reported that approximately 1,000 Mexico fans staged a noisy serenade in Mexico City on Monday, the day before the fixture scheduled for Wednesday at 02:00 BST at Mexico City Stadium.
The supporters used noisemakers, pans and buckets to perform the Mexican folk song Cielito Lindo before police moved them back. The disruption continued into the early morning hours of match day, with fireworks and firecrackers set off outside the hotel during the night of the game. Videos circulated on social media showing Ecuador players peering out of their windows as the explosions sounded in the early hours, having been woken by the commotion outside.
Ecuador's football federation issued a statement expressing their displeasure at the treatment. "This conduct is far removed from the principles of fair play, equality and unity that a football World Cup should represent," the statement read. The federation added that "Ecuador will always respond on the pitch" and appealed to authorities to protect the integrity of their players, coaching staff and supporters.
The timing of the disruption added to Ecuador's difficulties, as their travel to the stadium was already compromised. Manager Sebastian Beccacece revealed that his team arrived at their hotel three hours and 20 minutes behind schedule due to unexplained delays with their flight and coach. The match itself was further delayed by one hour due to thunderstorms and lightning strikes in Mexico City, with kick-off pushed back to 03:00 BST.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation called upon relevant authorities to pay closer attention to such incidents and adopt necessary measures. The federation stated: "We trust that these unsporting acts will not tarnish the football celebration that unites two brotherly countries."