Mexican soccer fans react during the Round of 32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Mexico, Tuesday. Three people died by asphyxiation during the celebration. Photo by Sashenka Gutierrez/EPA
Three people died of asphyxiation in Mexico City as about a million people flooded the streets to celebrate Mexico’s 2-0 World Cup win over Ecuador in the first knockout round.
A 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man were found unresponsive in the crowd Tuesday night. They were each given emergency resuscitation and taken to a hospital where they died.
The celebrations mostly happened around the Angel of Independence monument in downtown Mexico City. The game ended in the first knockout round win for Mexico since 1986.
Mexico City’s health department confirmed that emergency responders treated the three people at different locations around Paseo de la Reforma before taking them to the hospital.
“After performing first aid and CPR techniques on the patients, they were transferred to a hospital for specialized medical care,” the city’s health authority said.
The hospital confirmed they all had died of suffocation.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada offered her “most sincere condolences” to the victims’ families.
In a post on X, Brugada said: “With my heart in my hand, I send a hug and my most sincere condolences to their loved ones. We reiterate the call to always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy.”
Mexico City’s metropolitan area is one of the most densely populated places on Earth. More than 20 million people live there.
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Mexico players throw goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the air after defeating Czechia 3-0 in their FIFA World Cup match at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 24, 2026. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
