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World Cup celebrations turn into tragedy as at least three die during bash

Express Published Jul 1, 2026 Reviewed Jul 4, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
Citation-ready fact
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2–0 at the Azteca Stadium to advance to the round of 16, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory.
40 years · time since last World Cup knockout-stage victory2 goals · Mexico's goals0 goals · Ecuador's goals
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Citation-ready fact
Mexico has gone 10 consecutive World Cup matches at the Azteca Stadium without defeat.
10 matches · Mexico national team World Cup matches at Azteca Stadium
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Citation-ready fact
At least three people died of asphyxiation during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City: a 19-year-old woman, a 44-year-old man, and a 48-year-old woman.
at least 3 people · deceased celebrants
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Citation-ready fact
More than a million fans gathered at celebration spots in Mexico City—including Paseo de la Reforma, the Historic Center, and the Angel of Independence—after Mexico’s World Cup match against Ecuador.
more than 1000000 people · celebrating fans
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At least three people have died during celebrations held in Mexico City as the country's national team advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup, according to the local government. According to the city's health secretary, a 19-year-old woman, 44-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman died of asphyxiation.

The incident occurred at Paseo de la Reforma and Lancaster, in the Colonia Juárez neighbourhood. Clara Brugada, the head of government in Mexico City, wrote on her X account: “As reported by @SSaludCdMx, the emergency teams of Mexico City immediately attended to the report of three unconscious individuals at different points near Paseo de la Reforma. All medical response protocols were activated; however, sadly, they lost their lives. We are in contact with their families to provide them with all the necessary support and accompaniment.

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“With my heart in my hand, I send a hug and my most sincere condolences to their loved ones. We reiterate the call to always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy.”

Personnel from the Rescue and Emergency Medical Squadron (ERUM), Firefighters, Red Cross and personnel from the Secretariat of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection reached the site soon after the incident was reported.

The Health Secretariat reported: "On the streets of Hamburg and Lancaster, a report was received of two unconscious people, so the emergency response teams made up of paramedics, firefighters, Civil Protection personnel, officials from the Government Secretariat and preventive police officers went to the point to provide assistance; after performing first aid and CPR techniques on the patients, they were transferred to a hospital for specialized medical care."

Mexico delivered an impressive performance at the famous Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, defeating Ecuador 2–0 and ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory.

Their last win in such a match came in 1986, when they hosted the competition. As soon as the final whistle blew, celebrations spread throughout the country.

With this victory, Mexico have now gone 10 consecutive World Cup matches at the Azteca without defeat and will feel confident heading into the round of 16, where they could face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

More than a million fans gathered at the usual celebration spots around the capital, including areas such as Paseo de la Reforma, the Historic Center, and the Angel of Independence soon after the national team's match against Ecuador concluded at the Mexico City Stadium.

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