Mexico's historic win over Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 filled millions of people across the country with tremendous joy.
In Mexico City, more than 1 million people gathered at the Ángel de la Independencia to celebrate the victory. But amid the crowd, the celebration quickly turned into tragedy as three people lost their lives due to asphyxiation.
Mexico City's Health Ministry said two women and one man died during the night of June 30 in different parts of the capital. One of the victims, a 48-year-old woman, was found unconscious on Berna Street in the Cuauhtémoc borough, where paramedics performed CPR before transporting her to a local hospital. She was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
At the intersection of Hamburgo and Lancaster streets, just a couple of minutes from the Ángel de la Independencia, a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were also reported dead from asphyxiation.
Initially, authorities reported three deaths, but on July 1 officials said a fourth victim, a 30-year-old man, received medical attention after suffering an apparent epileptic seizure, convulsions and gastrointestinal bleeding. According to Mexican media, he was taken to a hospital, where he later went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived, Mexico City Health Secretary Nadine Gasman said.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mourned the deaths during Wednesday's morning press conference. Sheinbaum said she instructed Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez to provide support to the victims' families.
"Our solidarity and support go to the people who unfortunately died yesterday ... our condolences are always with their families, and the head of government is in contact with them," Sheinbaum said.
Last week, after Mexico's 3-0 win over Czechia secured its place in the World Cup knockout stages, authorities reported a mass vehicle collision involving pedestrians in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.
According to the preliminary investigation and videos shared on social media, Roberto Arellano's vehicle became surrounded by a group of fans blocking traffic.
The footage shows several people hitting and shaking the vehicle as it attempted to move past the multitude. Amid the chaos, the driver suddenly accelerated in an apparent attempt to escape, striking at least 17 people.
After the incident, a group of bystanders pulled the driver from the vehicle and beat him, leaving him critically injured. Emergency crews rescued him and transported him to a local hospital.
After spending nearly six days in the hospital, Arellano was pronounced dead June 30. Local media reported that he died from severe head injuries.
