Mexico’s historic victory over Ecuador and qualification for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 turned into an unprecedented tragedy on the streets of Mexico City.
Officials confirmed that four people lost their lives during massive celebrations across the capital, while more than 1,600 others were injured, prompting a response from FIFA’s highest officials.
I’ve never seen any crowd like the Mexico fans at the World Cup. OMG. 😱🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/bpDNEGaOEr
— Kara (@UTDKarra) July 1, 2026
The main gathering point for hundreds of thousands of jubilant fans was the iconic Angel of Independence monument in the heart of the city, where, according to reports by Aristegui Noticias, the enormous crowd turned deadly.
Emergency medical services released harrowing details about the victims who died amid the chaos in the streets.
🚨ÚLTIMO | Muere chofer que fue linchado tras atropellar a multitud en Los Cabos durante los eufóricos festejos por la victoria de México 3-0 ante Chequia y la clasificación a la siguiente fase en el Mundial 2026.
— 📢Rebelión en la Granja🚨 (@elorwelliano) July 1, 2026
El conductor identificado como Roberto Arellano Acevedo arrolló… pic.twitter.com/cmoqij3wT9
A 30-year-old man suffered cardiac arrest following a severe epileptic seizure and internal bleeding in his digestive tract, and later died.
The other confirmed victims were killed in a crowd crush. A 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman suffocated after the crowd surged forward, trampling everything in its path. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death of the fourth victim.
🚨🇲🇽 BREAKING: MEXICO CITY GOES WILD as El Tri ends a 40-year knockout-stage drought at the FIFA World Cup.
— Nova Intel (@intel_nova) July 1, 2026
Mexico defeats Ecuador to book its place in the Round of 16, sparking massive celebrations across the capital. 🎉⚽️ pic.twitter.com/b1fSzhQ2Df
Following the tragic news, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada issued an urgent appeal to the nation.
“I call on all fans and citizens to celebrate responsibly, carefully, and with empathy for one another. Do not allow historic sporting achievements to turn into family tragedies,” Brugada said.
Murieron 3 personas por asfixia en los festejos de México e hicieron un desastre en la ciudad, estoy en shock con lo que veo pic.twitter.com/9KecTi0CrH
— July Latorre (@July_Latorre) July 1, 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also released an official statement expressing his deep sorrow and condolences over the tragic events that cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of football.
The scale of the disaster is perhaps best illustrated by the figures released by emergency services. More than 1,600 people received medical treatment at the Azteca Stadium as well as at temporary medical facilities and hospitals across Mexico City. Doctors worked throughout the night treating injuries ranging from open fractures sustained in fights and falls from barriers to severe cases of alcohol poisoning.
While Mexico celebrates a historic sporting achievement, flags across the capital are flying at half-staff today.
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Source: Nova.rs; Foto: Printscreen X



