2026 FIFA World Cup celebrations turn deadly in Mexico as three die of suffocation after El Tri advance to Round of 16

At least three people died of suffocation during mass celebrations after Mexico beat Ecuador 2-2 in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident occurred in Mexico City, near the Angel of Independence monument, where countless supporters had gathered to celebrate the victory.

The death was confirmed by the health secretariat of the capital. Authorities claimed three people were found unconscious in three different locations around Paseo de la Reforma. They also reported that the streets around the capital’s most characteristic boulevard were closed to traffic so people could celebrate.

“After receiving advanced resuscitation efforts, the death of a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman due to suffocation has been confirmed,” Mexico’s health authority initially said on social media, according to a report by The Guardian. The third death was a 48-year-old woman.

She was treated for suffocation near the street and died after being taken to a hospital, the secretariat said later in a post. Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her condolences and urged everyone to “always celebrate with responsibility, care and empathy.”

With more than 20 million inhabitants, the Mexico City metropolitan area is one of the most populous and is used to hosting large celebrations.

What happened in Mexico vs Ecuador?

Mexico entered the match on the back of three wins in the group stage. Mexico, one of the co-hosts, is one of three teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to enter the knockout stages with all-win records. Argentina and France were the other two teams.

On the other hand, Ecuador qualified for the round of 32 after crushing Germany 2-1 in their last group game. Meanwhile, Mexico ended their 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory at the capital’s Estadio Azteca after first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez ended Ecuador’s tournament run.

after the loss, Sebastián Beccaceca resigned as coach of Ecuador. Forty-five-year-old Beccacece was in charge for two years. After a memorable win over Germany, he led Ecuador, who started at the World Cup for the fifth time, to the knockout round for only the second time.

“My contract has to end with the end of the World Cup. For us, we are leaving now,” Beccacece said. “I believe the dressing room is full of brotherhood. I take love, respect, determination and admiration from the boys of this group of warriors, the Ecuadorian national team.”

What’s next for Mexico?

Next up in Mexico is either England or DR Congo, who play their Round of 32 match on Thursday. England made the knockout stages after topping Group L, while DR Congo, who finished third in Group K, qualified as the best third-placed team. If Mexico wins their Round of 16 match, they will face either Brazil or Norway in the quarterfinals.