Hundreds of Mexico Fans Gathered Outside Ecuador's Hotel—and the Videos Went Viral

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Ecuador's hotel with drums, horns and loud chants as videos of the sleepless night went viral

Mexico's passionate supporters have already begun playing their part ahead of the country's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Ecuador, with hundreds of fans gathering outside the visitors' team hotel in an apparent attempt to disrupt their preparations.

Videos circulating widely on social media showed large crowds assembling outside Ecuador's hotel in Mexico City late on Monday night, creating a deafening atmosphere with drums, horns, loudspeakers and continuous chants just hours before kick-off.

The gathering reportedly came after calls spread online urging Mexican fans to meet outside the hotel and keep Ecuador's players awake ahead of one of the hosts' biggest matches of the tournament.

Ecuador players spotted watching from hotel windows

Several videos shared online appeared to show Ecuador players looking out from their hotel windows as supporters continued chanting below.

The scenes quickly sparked debate among football fans, with some describing it as part of football's long-standing mind games, while others questioned whether deliberately attempting to deprive opponents of sleep crossed the line at a FIFA World Cup.

Despite the noise outside, Ecuador have publicly insisted they remain focused on the challenge.

Head coach Sebastián Beccacece dismissed concerns over the off-field distraction, saying his players were concentrating solely on the match.

Mexico chasing another home victory

Mexico head into the Round of 32 clash carrying enormous expectations as one of the tournament's co-hosts.

Javier Aguirre's side enjoyed a flawless group-stage campaign, winning all three matches without conceding a single goal to finish top of their group.

Ecuador, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after producing one of the surprises of the group stage to reach the knockout rounds.

The winner will secure a place in the Round of 16, with Mexico hoping home support-both inside and outside the stadium-can help propel them one step closer to World Cup glory.

The build-up comes just a day after two of the tournament's biggest shocks, with Germany eliminated by Paraguay and the Netherlands knocked out by Morocco on penalties.