At least two people lost their lives during nationwide celebrations in Mexico City on Wednesday after Mexico secured a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup, local authorities have confirmed.
According to the city’s Health Ministry, the victims—a 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man—died from asphyxiation amid the huge crowds that filled the streets following the national team’s historic victory.
Officials said investigations are ongoing, while they have yet to verify reports from local media suggesting that a third person may also have died during the celebrations.
The jubilant scenes erupted after Mexico defeated Ecuador to register its first World Cup knockout-stage qualification since 1986, sending the tournament co-hosts into the Round of 16.
An estimated one million supporters poured into the capital’s streets, with the largest concentration gathering around the iconic Angel of Independence monument, waving flags, singing, and celebrating the team’s achievement.
Emergency responders and security personnel were deployed across the city to manage the crowds and assist those in distress as the celebrations continued late into the night.
Authorities have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged football fans to celebrate responsibly as Mexico prepares for its next World Cup fixture.
