Mexico celebrated reaching the World Cup last-16 Hector Quintanar/Getty ImagesJuly 1, 2026 9:02 am EDT Updated Three people have died from suffocation during World Cup celebrations in Mexico.A 19-year-old woman, a 44-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman died after crowds took to the streets in Mexico City, the nation’s capital, following the country’s round-of-32 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday, according to the city’s public health authority.The public health authority added that medical responders had performed CPR on all three of the victims but each had died from asphyxiation and been identified by their families.
“From the Government of Mexico City, we send our condolences to family members, friends, and loved ones, to whom all the support they require will be provided during these difficult times,” a public health authority statement read.The three victims were found unconscious in the streets around the Angel of Independence monument on the Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City.City Mayor Clara Brugada paid tribute to the victims, writing on X: “With my heart in my hand, I am sending a hug and my most sincere condolences to their loved ones. We reiterate the call to always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy.”Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City as the World Cup co-hosts progressed to the last-16. It marked Mexico’s first knockout stage victory at a World Cup since 1986.The last-16 match, which will pit Mexico against the winners of Wednesday’s last-32 game between England and DR Congo, will be the final match held at the Azteca during the tournament.
