At least three people died after massive street celebrations erupted across Mexico City early Wednesday following the national football team’s historic World Cup victory over Ecuador. More than one million jubilant fans flooded the capital’s thoroughfares, primarily packed around the iconic Angel of Independence monument, to mark the tournament co-hosts advancing into the Round of 16.
According to the Mexico City Health Secretariat, 44-year-old man, a 48-year-old woman, and a 19-year-old woman died from asphyxiation and suffocation caused by extreme overcrowding within the dense crowds.
The chaotic celebrations followed Tuesday night’s match, where Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to break a decades-long hoodoo, securing their first World Cup knockout victory since 1986. While the vast majority of the massive gatherings remained peaceful, municipal emergency medical services confirmed they treated dozens of individuals for minor crush injuries, exhaustion, and fainting throughout the night.
