World cup: 3 killed during Mexico victory celebrations

Three people have died from suffocation during celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victims were identified as a 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, according to the city’s health authority.

They died after massive crowds gathered across the capital following Mexico’s historic victory.

The Mexico City government said more than one million people flooded the streets, with the largest crowds assembling around the Angel of Independence monument in the city centre to celebrate the national team’s first World Cup knockout victory since 1986.

Health authorities said emergency services responded after three unconscious people were found at separate locations along Paseo de la Reforma during the celebrations.

The authority said paramedics immediately administered first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation before taking the victims to hospital for further treatment.

“After performing first aid and CPR techniques on the patients, they were transferred to a hospital for specialised medical care,” the city’s health authority said.

Officials later confirmed that all three victims died from suffocation and had been formally identified by their families.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed sympathy to those affected, saying, “My most sincere condolences” to the families of the victims, while pledging support for them in the coming days.

Following confirmation of the deaths, Brugada urged supporters to exercise caution during public celebrations. She said fans should “always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy”.

The celebrations continued across large parts of the capital after the final whistle, with fireworks illuminating the night sky and thousands of supporters gathering at public squares and around the Estadio Azteca.

Before the match, Brugada had advised football supporters planning to watch the game near the Angel of Independence monument to seek alternative locations because the area had already reached capacity due to the large crowds.

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.

Mexico secured progression to the Round of 16 after defeating Ecuador in a match that also saw the South American side finish with 10 players.

The result marked Mexico’s first World Cup knockout-stage victory in four decades and extended the team’s impressive run at the tournament without conceding a goal.

Mexico will now await their Round of 16 opponents and could face England if the Three Lions defeat DR Congo in their final group-stage fixture.