Round of 32 · Match 7
MexicovsEcuador
2026-07-01·19:00 local·Estadio Azteca · Mexico CityPredictions finalised
Match signals
Factors that favour each side, from statistical models to group stage form and match conditions. Longer bars = stronger advantage.
The model rates Ecuador slightly higher (38% vs 28%), but the wider signals actually favour Mexico. That tension makes this one of the harder matches to read.
📊What the Models Say
Rates teams by a single strength number updated after every match. Simpler but fast to react. It sees this as very close: Mexico 41%, Ecuador 37%.
Simulates the goal-scoring process using attack and defence strength. The heaviest-weighted model. It rates Ecuador at 36% to win vs Mexico at 28%.
Groups teams by confederation to share information. Helps for teams with fewer matches. It rates Ecuador at 37% to win vs Mexico at 29%.
The published probability after calibration and adjustments. This is what the model says. It rates Ecuador at 38% to win vs Mexico at 28%.
2 of 3 models favour Ecuador. A majority, but not unanimous.
⚽Tournament Form
Mexico collected 12 points (4W 0D 1L) vs Ecuador's 4 (1W 1D 2L). A stronger tournament record.
Mexico averaged 2.0 goals per match vs Ecuador's 0.5. More firepower coming in.
Mexico conceded just 0.6 goals/match vs Ecuador's 1.0. Tighter at the back.
Mexico's goal difference of +7 is better than Ecuador's -2. They outperformed opponents by more.
📈Momentum
Mexico's rating rose +39.7 during the tournament while Ecuador's moved -48.7. The tournament has been kinder to Mexico.
Ecuador's players improved their form ratings during the tournament (+0.0071) vs Mexico (+0.0039). Players trending upward.
🏆Team Quality
Ecuador is rated 1933 vs Mexico's 1860 (gap: 73). That's a noticeable gap in historical team strength.
The model expects Ecuador to create 0.81 expected goals vs Mexico's 0.68. More and better chances projected.
Ecuador's top 3 starters are harder to replace (avg VORP 0.57) than Mexico's (0.14). More star power in key positions.
Similar levels of squad familiarity from club football.
🌍Match Conditions
Mexico traveled 14km vs Ecuador's 3,281km. A shorter journey means less fatigue.
Mexico face a 0h timezone shift vs Ecuador's 1h. Less jet lag disruption.
17 signals across 5 categories. Signal strength reflects how large the gap is between the two teams on each factor. Signals are descriptive, not prescriptive.
La prévision
Match-outcome probability
- Mexico win31.8%
- Draw33.9%
- Ecuador win34.3%
The model projects one of the most closely-contested fixtures of the round — Mexico and Ecuador are separated by fine margins across every outcome.
▸Buts et scores
Likeliest score 0–0 (23.2%) · xG 0.7 - 0.8
Expected goals
Mean of the Dixon-Coles joint goal distribution. Same fit that produces the most-likely-scoreline list below.
Most likely scorelines
- 0–023.2%
- 0–117.5%
- 1–014.5%
- 1–113.2%
- 0–27.4%
From the Dixon-Coles joint Poisson with the low-score correction. Scorelines are listed in probability order; this is a description of the model's distribution, not a recommendation.
Most likely half-time scorelines
- 0–047.8%
- 0–118.9%
- 1–015.7%
- 1–17.0%
- 0–23.9%
Same Dixon-Coles fit as the full-time list above, with rates halved to a 45-minute window and the low-score correction applied to that 1st-half block. The 0-0 row sits higher here than at full-time because fewer minutes have elapsed.
Goal totals
- More than 0.5 goals76.8%
- More than 1.5 goals44.7%
- More than 2.5 goals18.9%
- More than 3.5 goals6.5%
- More than 4.5 goals1.8%
- More than 5.5 goals0.4%
- Both teams score28.2%
Each row is the probability the match finishes with more than the listed number of goals. Both-teams-to-score is the probability each side scores at least once. All values are marginals of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid that produces the scoreline list above — not market lines or any other operator construct.
Event-typed probabilities
- Mexico clean sheetOpposing team scores zero44.4%
- Ecuador clean sheetOpposing team scores zero50.6%
Derived from the same Dixon-Coles joint distribution as the scoreline list. These are descriptive event probabilities — see CLAUDE.md §3/§4 (formerly COMPLIANCE.md §4.2.7) for the framing the project uses.
Win-margin probability
- Mexico by 4+0.3%
- Mexico by 3+1.6%
- Mexico by 2+7.8%
- Mexico by 1+27.0%
- Draw38.3%
- Ecuador by 1+34.8%
- Ecuador by 2+11.7%
- Ecuador by 3+2.8%
- Ecuador by 4+0.5%
Each row is the probability the match ends with the listed margin or larger in that direction. Marginal of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid; the “by 1+” rows plus the draw row sum to 1.
▸Comment le match se déroule
Over 2.5 goals 18.9% · BTTS 28.2%
Game state through the match
- Mexico ahead27.8%
- Level36.7%
- Ecuador ahead35.5%
Probability of each game state at minutes 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 — derived from two independent thinned-Poisson processes with the Dixon-Coles per-team rates. The three lines always sum to 1 at each minute. The right column shows the state at the match's closing minute.
When the first goal arrives
- 0–1522.0%
- 15–3017.2%
- 30–4513.4%
- 45–6010.4%
- 60–758.1%
- 75–906.3%
- No goal22.5%
Probability the match's first goal arrives in each 15-minute window. Homogeneous Poisson with combined rate λ = λh + λa from the Dixon-Coles fit; the seven rows (six windows + no-goal tail) sum to 1.
Half-time / full-time grid
| HT ↓ / FT → | HMexico win | DDraw | AEcuador win |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMexico ahead | 15.7% | 3.6% | 0.8% |
| DLevel | 11.3% | 29.8% | 13.9% |
| AEcuador ahead | 0.7% | 3.6% | 20.6% |
Each cell is P(half-time result, full-time result). All nine cells sum to 1. Derived from a halved-λ Dixon-Coles fit for the first half plus an independent-Poisson second-half convolution.
Comeback probability
- Mexico trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT4.3%
- Ecuador trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT4.4%
Joint probability — P(side trailing at half-time AND avoiding defeat at full-time). NOT conditional on trailing at HT. Derived from the same half-time / full-time decomposition that produces the HT/FT grid above; a tied first half is neither a home nor an away comeback opportunity.
PK shootout simulator
If the match ends level after extra time, the model estimates the shootout outcome from each team's Bayesian-smoothed conversion / save rate (Model #15). The bracket simulator uses the symmetric (averaged) ordering; the two what-if scenarios below show how the win probabilities shift when conditioning on which team kicks first.
- Mexico50.8%
- Ecuador49.2%
- Mexico64.1%
- Ecuador35.9%
- Mexico37.4%
- Ecuador62.6%
First-kicker advantage
The first kicker's per-kick conversion rate is scaled by ×1.050 (about +5.0%), stacked on the Markov chain's structural asymmetry. Real World Cup shootouts use a coin toss for kicker order, so on average the order is 50/50 — the symmetric path above is the relevant number for a single fixture. The ordering-conditioned probabilities are a descriptive what-if scenario.
Literature: first kickers win ≈ 60% historically (Apesteguia & Palacios-Huerta, American Economic Review 2010; Vandebroek et al. 2016).
Per-team posteriors: Mexico conv 72.5%, save 20.0%; Ecuador conv 72.0%, save 20.0%. Smoothed against the global prior with prior strength 20 — see /docs/methodology/.
▸Équipes et joueurs
Top scorer: Jiménez (8.2%)
Match detail
Mexico
Model-rated key players: Raúl Jiménez (FW) — P(scores) 8.2%; Santiago Giménez (FW) — P(scores) 2.9%; Hirving Lozano (FW) — P(scores) 2.5%.
Mexico under Javier Aguirre play a high press game, holding 55% of the ball — among the highest in the tournament field. Their likely shape is a 3-5-2, though they have also used 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. They press intensely (PPDA 16.1, top quartile (5th of 40)). They generate a high volume of shots (15.0 per 90).
Mexico need their high press to force turnovers in dangerous areas — if opponents can play through the press, the space left behind is vulnerable. Physical conditioning and squad rotation will be critical to sustain pressing intensity across a long tournament.
Ecuador
Model-rated key players: Kevin Rodríguez (FW) — P(scores) 3.0%; Enner Valencia (FW) — P(scores) 2.5%; Nilson Angulo (FW) — P(scores) 1.5%.
Ecuador under Sebastián Beccacece play a transition heavy game with 47% possession. Their likely shape is a 4-3-3, though they have also used 4-4-2 and other. They press intensely (PPDA 16.5, top quartile (6th of 40)) and move the ball forward quickly at 5.2 passes per attack. They favour high-quality chances (xG/shot 0.140, among the best in the field).
Ecuador rely on defensive discipline and quick transitions — absorbing pressure and converting turnovers into attacking chances. Concentration and defensive organisation for full 90-minute stretches will determine whether the approach holds against top opposition. Managing minutes for Enner Valencia across what could be seven matches will test the coaching staff's rotation planning.
Mexico historically converts 9.5% of xG from set-pieces, contributing 0.07 expected set-piece goals in this fixture. Ecuador converts 10.3% from set-pieces (0.08 expected). Combined, the model expects 0.15 set-piece goals across the 90 minutes.
- P(Mexico scores set-piece goal) 6.3%
- P(Ecuador scores set-piece goal) 8.0%
- P(set-piece goal in match) 13.8%
If a penalty is awarded to Mexico, the model gives 72.5% conversion, 72.0% for Ecuador. If this match goes to a shootout, the symmetric (coin-toss averaged) win probability is 50.8% Mexico / 49.2% Ecuador.
Mexico primary PK: Raúl Jiménez (1/1 in 2021-22, per fbref 2021 22).
Derived from the model's per-fixture forecast joint and supporting reference data (predicted squads, set-piece xG share, PK posteriors, club minutes). See /docs/methodology/ for the full methodology.
Squad depth
Most irreplaceable starters
Mexico
- Johan VásquezCentre-backCover: Jesús Alberto Angulo · 0.690.22gap
- Edson ÁlvarezDefensive midfieldCover: Luis Chávez · 0.700.19gap
- Orbelín PinedaCentral midfieldCover: Érick Sánchez · 0.670.00gap
Ecuador
- Joel OrdóñezCentre-backCover: Jackson Porozo · 0.050.80gap
- Félix TorresCentre-backCover: Jackson Porozo · 0.050.57gap
- Moisés CaicedoDefensive midfieldNo natural backup0.32gap
Gap = how far a side's rating at the position falls from the starter to his likely in-squad replacement (named under each name). Larger = harder to replace. Descriptive metric, does not feed the published probabilities. Methodology →
Match conditions
High-altitude venue. Mexico City sits at 2,240 m above sea level — thinner air affects stamina and ball flight.
- AltitudeHigh altitude2,240 m
- Avg temperatureFive-year mean over the tournament window17.7 °C
- Avg humidity70%
- Heat stressShade WBGT ~19.5 °CLow heat stress
- Pitch surfacenatural grass
Natural-grass football stadium; a new pitch was laid during the stadium's renovation ahead of the tournament.
Heat stress is a shade Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature proxy from the venue's climatology mean temperature and humidity; FIFA mandates cooling breaks at WBGT 32 °C. Evening kickoff (local time). These are long-window averages, not a match-day forecast, and they are not inputs to the forecast.
Top scorers · P(scores in this match)
- Raúl JiménezPKFW8.2%
- Santiago GiménezFW2.9%
- Hirving LozanoFW2.5%
- Kevin RodríguezFW3.0%
- Enner ValenciaFW2.5%
- Nilson AnguloFW1.5%
Per-player scoring rate from Model #5 (`p_score_per_match`). Reflects each player's npxG/90, expected minutes, team xG share, and the average opposing-team defence. See /docs/methodology/.
Recent match form
Last match player ratings
Mexico
vs Czech Republic · avg 7.6
Ecuador
vs Germany · avg 7.0
Player scores from official highlight analysis of each team's most recent match. Observational, not a model input. Methodology →
Video analysis: player performance
Per-player ratings and event breakdowns from official highlights analysis. Tap a player to see their full match timeline.
8G. Mora1'–1'Scored the opening goal for Mexico, setting the tone for the match.
1goals▼
Scored the opening goal for Mexico, setting the tone for the match.
Match timeline
8Uriel AntunaScored a goal and was an active threat in attack, including from set pieces.
1goals1headers▼
Scored a goal and was an active threat in attack, including from set pieces.
Match timeline
8Raúl Jiménez38'–38'Scored a goal with a composed finish, extending Mexico's lead.
1goals▼
Scored a goal with a composed finish, extending Mexico's lead.
Match timeline
7Guillermo OchoaMade several crucial saves to maintain Mexico's lead and ensure defensive stability.
2saves▼
Made several crucial saves to maintain Mexico's lead and ensure defensive stability.
Match timeline
7Carlos AcevedoMade crucial saves, including a diving stop from Yeboah Zamora, to maintain Mexico's lead.
1saves▼
Made crucial saves, including a diving stop from Yeboah Zamora, to maintain Mexico's lead.
Match timeline
7Roberto AlvaradoProvided a dangerous corner kick that created a significant goal-scoring opportunity for Mexico.
▼
Provided a dangerous corner kick that created a significant goal-scoring opportunity for Mexico.
Match timeline
7César Montes75'–82'Produced a powerful header from a corner that forced a spectacular save, showing attacking threat from defense.
2headers▼
Produced a powerful header from a corner that forced a spectacular save, showing attacking threat from defense.
Match timeline
8Hernán Galíndez75'–82'Made several excellent and spectacular saves, preventing a heavier defeat for Ecuador.
3saves▼
Made several excellent and spectacular saves, preventing a heavier defeat for Ecuador.
Match timeline
7Yeboah ZamoraShowed good individual skill, creating shooting opportunities and forcing saves from the Mexico goalkeeper.
Showed good individual skill, creating shooting opportunities and forcing saves from the Mexico goalkeeper.
6Jordy CaicedoRegistered a shot on target that was saved by the Mexico goalkeeper, contributing to attacking efforts.
1shots1on target▼
Registered a shot on target that was saved by the Mexico goalkeeper, contributing to attacking efforts.
Match timeline
3Piero Hincapié108'–108'Received a red card for involvement in a late-game confrontation, negatively impacting his team.
1 red▼
Received a red card for involvement in a late-game confrontation, negatively impacting his team.
Match timeline
Match observations
- The match was played in a vibrant atmosphere with a large and engaged crowd.
- Mexico displayed strong attacking intent, creating numerous chances and converting two to secure a comfortable lead.
- Ecuador showed flashes of individual brilliance but struggled to consistently break down the Mexican defence.
▸Sous le capot
Model-by-model comparison
Mexico vs Ecuador
| Model | Weight | Home | Draw | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EloRating-based strength estimate | 32% | 41.2% | 22.0% | 36.8% |
| Dixon-ColesGoal-process model with low-score correction | 63% | 28.0% | 35.6% | 36.4% |
| Hierarchical PoissonBayesian model with confederation pooling | 6% | 28.8% | 34.5% | 36.8% |
| Bayesian stackingLearned-weight combination | — | 31.2% | 35.1% | 33.7% |
| Ensemble (published)Uniform average + isotonic calibration | — | 27.8% | 34.1% | 38.1% |
How each model works
- Elo
- Each team carries a single strength rating updated after every match by a margin-aware K-factor. Match probabilities come from the logistic function of the rating gap. Elo is fast-adapting but coarse — it sees only who won and by how much, not how the goals were scored.
- Dixon-Coles
- A Poisson regression on team-level attack and defence parameters, fitted via maximum likelihood with an exponential time-decay weighting. The Dixon-Coles correction adjusts the four low-score cells (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1) where independent Poisson underestimates dependence. Produces full scoreline distributions, not just H/D/A.
- Hierarchical Poisson
- A Bayesian Poisson model fitted via MCMC (PyMC) with hierarchical priors that pool attack and defence parameters within confederations. Shrinks small-sample teams toward their confederation mean — helpful for nations with few recent competitive fixtures. Slower to fit but better-calibrated on the tails.
- Bayesian stacking
- Optimises simplex weights (w_elo, w_dc, w_hp) to maximise the leave-one-out log-score across a walk-forward backtest (Yao et al. 2018). The result is a weighted average of the three component models' probabilities, then isotonic-calibrated. Adds no extra features — just learns which component to trust more from historical accuracy.
- Ensemble (published)
- Equal-weight average of all three component models, followed by per-class isotonic regression calibration fitted on 24 months of walk-forward out-of-fold predictions. This is the probability published on the site. The uniform mean is deliberately simple — it avoids overfitting to the stacking weights' training window.
Three independent component models feed two combination strategies. The uniform ensemble is the published probability; Bayesian stacking uses learned weights. Amber bars flag >5pp divergence from the published number. Full methodology
Latest news & match context
No recent headlines for Mexico or Ecuador.
- Stage:
- Round of 32 · Match 7
- Date:
- 1 Jul
- Venue:
- Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Altitude (2,240 m) and a 18°C kickoff modestly suppresses expected scoring at this venue.
Ranked by likely importance. None of these feed the forecast: the probabilities rest on team strength, venue conditions and the style matchup.
- 1.Elimination stakes: A one-off elimination tie. Motivation, risk appetite and game management under tournament pressure are not model inputs; the forecast rests on team strength and the style matchup.
- 2.Rest differential: Mexico have had 7 days since their previous match versus 6 for Ecuador. Rest and recovery are not model inputs.
Mexico and Ecuador both come in at close to full strength, so the forecast rests on baseline team strength rather than late team-news swings.
Availability from the predicted squads and injury feed; forecast adjustments from the model's own decomposition. See /docs/methodology/.
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