Four fans die in Mexico City during World Cup victory celebrations; investigation launched

Mexico City is investigating the deaths of four fans who perished during celebrations following the national team's victory over Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup.

Health Secretary Nadine Gasman confirmed that two women, aged 19 and 48, and two men, aged 30 and 44, died on Tuesday night after Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 16. The capital's government is working with the prosecutor's office to determine the exact circumstances of these fatalities.

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There is a need to see what caused this wave of people. That is what is being investigated by the Prosecutor's Office.

Clara Brugada, the head of government, stated that the investigation aims to understand what caused the "wave of people" that led to the deaths. While alcohol consumption was initially considered, Brugada dismissed this as a direct cause, noting that alcohol is responsible for millions of deaths globally each year. The focus remains on understanding the "mechanics of this asphyxiation" that affected three of the victims.

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The fourth case is a male around 30 years old, identity still unknown, who was transferred due to status epilepticus, convulsive crisis, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

The fourth victim, an unidentified man around 30 years old, was taken to a local hospital after suffering an epileptic seizure, convulsive crisis, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The prosecutor's office is investigating this case as well.

Massive crowds gathered in public spaces to celebrate the win, with an estimated 484,000 people in Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida Juárez, and 95,000 near the Mexico City stadium. During these festivities, health services provided 700 medical attentions and transferred 28 people to hospitals for various emergencies, including alcohol intoxication, anxiety attacks, and other issues.

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how the mechanics of this asphyxiation occurred.