At least four people died amid widespread celebrations in Mexico City after the national team secured a victory to advance to the next round of the World Cup. The city's health authorities reported that three individuals died from suffocation within the large crowds, with victims identified as a 19-year-old woman, a 44-year-old man, and a 48-year-old woman. A 30-year-old man also died from an epileptic crisis during the festivities.
Over a million people gathered in various locations across the city, including Reforma Avenue and around the Angel of Independence monument, to watch the match and celebrate Mexico's win against Ecuador. The victory marked Mexico's first World Cup knockout win since 1986 and sent the co-hosts into the round of 16.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum conveyed solidarity and support to the families of the victims. The celebrations saw fans cheering, jumping, and waving national flags as fireworks lit up the night sky.
The national team's performance has been a significant achievement, as Mexico had lost in the knockout stage seven consecutive times between 1994 and 2018, and did not advance past the group stage in 2022. The team has maintained an undefeated record in 10 World Cup matches at the Azteca Stadium and extended its overall unbeaten run to 12 games. This win also marks the first time a CONCACAF team has eliminated a CONMEBOL team in a World Cup knockout match.
Mexico is scheduled to play its next match on Sunday against the winner of the game between England and Congo, also at the Azteca Stadium.