Two Mexican fans died during massive celebrations in Mexico City on Wednesday following the national team's advancement to the next round of the World Cup. The deceased were identified as a 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, both of whom died of asphyxiation, according to the city's health ministry. Authorities have not confirmed reports of a third death.
The celebrations erupted after Mexico defeated Ecuador to secure their first World Cup knockout stage win since 1986. More than a million people gathered in the capital, primarily around the Angel of Independence monument, to watch the match and celebrate the team's progression to the round of 16. Large crowds also assembled along Reforma Avenue and in various fan zones across the city.
Footage showed thousands of fans cheering, jumping, and waving national flags as fireworks lit up the night sky. The victory marks a significant achievement for Mexico, which had faced a seven-match losing streak in the same stage of the tournament between 1994 and 2018, and failed to advance past the group stage in 2022.
The Mexican squad has maintained an undefeated record across 10 World Cup matches played at the iconic Azteca Stadium, with only two official losses at the venue, the last occurring in a 2013 World Cup qualifier. The team's current unbeaten run extends to 12 games, dating back to November. Mexico also became the first CONCACAF team to eliminate a CONMEBOL team in a World Cup knockout match, breaking a streak of five consecutive wins by South American teams in such encounters.
Mexico is scheduled to play its next home match on Sunday against the winner of the match between England and Congo.
