On the night of Tuesday, June 30, around one million people gathered at the Ángel de la Independencia in Mexico City to celebrate Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, the festivities turned tragic when three people died of asphyxia during the celebrations.

The Mexico City Health Sector Command Post confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, July 1. The victims were two women, aged 19 and 28, and a 44-year-old man. Two of the deaths occurred at the intersection of Hamburgo and Lancaster streets in the Juárez neighborhood. Emergency responders found the two unconscious and performed CPR before transporting them to a hospital, where their deaths were confirmed. The third victim, a 48-year-old woman, was found unconscious on Berna Street, also in Juárez, and later died in the hospital.

Clara Brugada, Mexico City’s Head of Government, expressed condolences and assured that authorities are in contact with the families to provide support. “From the Government of Mexico City, we are in contact with their families to offer all necessary support and accompaniment,” she wrote on social media.

President Claudia Sheinbaum also addressed the incident during her morning press conference on July 1, expressing solidarity and announcing that she instructed her government to provide all necessary assistance. She said she directed Rosa Icela Rodríguez, the federal Secretary of the Interior, to coordinate support efforts.

While these tragic events cast a shadow over the celebrations, the massive turnout highlights the passion and unity that football brings to Mexico City. As the city continues to grow and host large-scale events, the importance of efficient and safe public transportation systems—like the upcoming cablebús project in Puebla—becomes even clearer. Such infrastructure can help manage crowds and improve emergency response, contributing to safer celebrations in the future.