Three people died during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday to qualify for the knockout stage. Health authoriti...
Three people died during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday to qualify for the knockout stage. Health authorities said the victims died from suffocation after large crowds gathered across the capital to celebrate the victory. The victims were identified as a 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man.
The Mexico City health authority said emergency services responded after three unconscious people were found at different locations along Paseo de la Reforma. Medical teams performed first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before transporting the patients to hospital for specialised medical care. Authorities later confirmed that all three died from suffocation and had been identified by their families.
The city government said more than one million people gathered mainly around the Angel of Independence monument in downtown Mexico City following the final whistle. Thousands of supporters filled nearby streets to celebrate Mexico’s first World Cup knockout victory since 1986, creating heavy crowds in one of the busiest parts of the capital.
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Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her condolences to the families of the victims after the deaths were confirmed. “My most sincere condolences” go to the victims’ families, she said, adding that the city government would provide support in the coming days.
In a separate social media message following the announcement of the deaths, Brugada urged football supporters to celebrate responsibly. She called on fans to “always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy” during public gatherings and large sporting events.
Earlier on Tuesday, before the World Cup match began, the mayor had advised supporters planning to watch the game near the Angel of Independence monument to consider other locations because of the large number of people already gathered there. Despite the warning, celebrations later centred around the monument after Mexico secured the victory.
Health officials said emergency personnel attended to the three victims at different points along Paseo de la Reforma before taking them to hospital. Medical teams carried out CPR and other emergency treatment at the scene in an effort to save their lives. However, all three later died from suffocation despite those efforts.
Mexico’s victory over Ecuador sparked celebrations inside the Estadio Azteca and across many parts of Mexico City. Fireworks continued to light up the night sky long after the match ended as supporters celebrated the national team’s progress to the next stage of the FIFA World Cup.
Mexico City is home to more than 20 million people across its metropolitan area, making it one of the world’s most densely populated urban regions. Large public celebrations regularly attract significant crowds, particularly after major sporting events involving the national football team.
Mexico has now advanced to the FIFA World Cup round of 16 following the 2-0 win over Ecuador. The team could face England in the next round if Thomas Tuchel’s side defeats DR Congo on Wednesday. While supporters celebrated an important football achievement, the deaths of three people have cast a shadow over the occasion and prompted renewed calls from city authorities for responsible celebrations during major public events.
