At least two people died during large-scale World Cup celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico defeated Ecuador to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16.
According to the city’s health ministry, a 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man died from asphyxiation during the celebrations on Wednesday. Authorities have not confirmed reports by local media claiming a third person also died.
More than one million fans gathered around the Angel of Independence monument and other parts of the capital to celebrate Mexico’s historic 2-0 victory over Ecuador.
The win ended Mexico’s 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez securing the breakthrough.
Mexico’s victory also extended the team’s unbeaten World Cup record at the Azteca Stadium to 10 matches. The co-hosts have won all three group-stage games without conceding a goal and will face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.
Authorities are expected to review crowd safety measures after celebrations turned tragic despite Mexico’s historic World Cup success.
