Celebrations over Mexico’s qualification for the last 16 of the World Cup turned tragic after three people died in a crowd surge in Mexico City.
More than one million fans flooded the streets after Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sealed the historic win, sending the co-hosts into the knockout stage.
Authorities said a 44-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman and a 48-year-old woman died from asphyxiation during the celebrations near Paseo de la Reforma.
Mexico City Head of Government Clara Brugada confirmed that emergency responders were dispatched immediately after reports of three unconscious people. Despite efforts to save them, all three were pronounced dead.
She extended condolences to the victims’ families and urged the public to celebrate responsibly, adding that the city would provide support to their loved ones.
The tragedy came on a day marked by other crowd-related incidents. Earlier in Monterrey, police used tear gas to disperse fans attempting to force their way into Parque Fundidora, where giant screens were broadcasting the match.
The build-up to the game had also been tense. On Monday night, groups of Mexico supporters gathered outside Ecuador’s team hotel, using horns, drums and loud music in an apparent attempt to disrupt the visiting squad.
During the match, some Mexico fans were also accused of using a chant widely regarded as homophobic, prompting renewed concerns over discriminatory behaviour at football matches.
