Three fans die in Mexico City as a million took to the streets following Ecuador victory

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FT Desk

Three people have died following mass celebrations in Mexico City after the national team defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the World Cup Round of 32.

Mexico are hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada and progressed through the group stage with ease after defeating South Africa 2-0, South Korea 1-0 and Czechia 3-0.

At the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday, they took on South American outfit Ecuador with a place in the last 16 up for grabs.

The hosts came flying out of the blocks and blew Ecuador away with two goals in the first half from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. The celebrations in the stands after those goals and at full-time were electric and the party continued on the streets of Mexico City afterwards.

That’s incredible. It looks like AI, it’s on such a massive scale. Mexico’s football culture is class. pic.twitter.com/e2HD4yzNHY

— HLTCO (@HLTCO) July 1, 2026

It has been reported that one million fans celebrated in the streets of the city but, tragically, three people lost their lives due to suffocation in the chaos.

The deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence landmark.

"After receiving advanced ​resuscitation efforts, the deaths of a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman from suffocation have been confirmed," the Mexico City health secretariat initially said on social media.

It was later confirmed that a 48-year-old woman had also died after being taken to hospital suffering from asphyxiation.

Mexico City mayor Clara Bruga expressed her condolences on X, saying:

"As reported by Secretaría de Salud Pública, the emergency teams of Mexico City immediately attended to the report of three unconscious individuals at different points near Paseo de la Reforma. All medical response protocols were activated; however, sadly, they lost their lives.

"From the Gobierno de la Ciudad de México, we are in contact with their families to provide them with all the necessary support and accompaniment.

"With my heart in my hand, I send a hug and my most sincere condolences to their loved ones. We reiterate the call to always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy."

Mexican fans flooded the streets in celebration after the national team ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, with the victory over Ecuador sending the co-hosts into the last 16.