Three people died from suffocation as more than a million fans flooded Mexico City’s streets to celebrate the national team’s first World Cup knockout win since 1986, the capital’s health authority said.
The victims – a 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man – collapsed at different locations along Paseo de la Reforma, near the Angel of Independence monument. Emergency services performed CPR and first aid before transporting them to hospital, but all three were later confirmed dead.
“Three suffocate as million-strong crowd celebrates Mexico's first World Cup knockout win since 1986.”
Mayor Clara Brugada expressed “her most sincere condolences” and urged fans to “always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy”.
The celebrations erupted after Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32 at the Azteca Stadium, with first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie was sent off in the 95th minute.
Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece immediately resigned after the match. “Our contract ended with the World Cup. I don’t think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever,” he said. “This has been a painful evening but I leave with good memories of the dressing room tonight.”
Beccacece also revealed his side faced disruptions before the game: supporters set off fireworks outside their hotel late at night, and the team arrived three hours and 20 minutes late due to unexplained delays to their flight and coach. The Ecuadorian Football Federation issued a statement about “certain off-the-field actions that took place prior to the Round of 16 match”.
Mexico’s victory sets up a potential last-16 clash with England, if Thomas Tuchel’s side beat DR Congo on Wednesday.