2026 World Cup: Tragedy in Mexico During Celebrations; Fans Killed in a Stampede

Chaos in Mexico City following the Mexican national team’s victory over Ecuador: For the first time in 40 years, the Mexican team won a World Cup knockout-round match, breaking a long curse that had lasted since Mexico 1986. Immediately after the match against Ecuador ended 2-0, wild celebrations erupted in the capital, which unfortunately led to the deaths of several fans. At least two people died on Wednesday during the mass celebrations in Mexico City.

A 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man lost their lives, according to the capital’s Ministry of Health. A third person is also reported to have died, but their details have not yet been released. The three fans are believed to have died of asphyxiation caused by the crush that formed in Mexico City’s squares.

According to city government estimates, over one million people poured into the city’s streets, especially around the Angel of Independence monument. At the final whistle, celebrations erupted along the Paseo de la Reforma, where thousands of Mexicans had gathered to watch the match. The festivities spread to dozens of neighborhoods, bars, and parking lots transformed into fan zones to celebrate the national team, which remains undefeated in the World Cup.

The host team will play another home match on Sunday against the winner of Wednesday’s match between England and Congo. At the iconic Azteca Stadium, the Mexican national team boasts an unbeaten record in 10 World Cup matches. Mexico has suffered only two official losses at this stadium, the last of which came in a qualifying match against Honduras on September 6, 2013.