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Death Toll Rises to Four After Mexico's World Cup Victory Celebrations
Authorities in Mexico City have confirmed that the death toll has risen to four following the celebrations of Mexico's victory over Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as investigators continue working to determine what happened.
The celebration of Mexico's qualification for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in tragedy. The Mexico City government confirmed that the death toll has risen to four following the massive celebrations that took place after El Tri's victory over Ecuador, while authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
According to Mexico City's Health Secretary, Nadine Gasman, three of the victims died from asphyxiation. They included a 44-year-old man and two women, aged 19 and 48. A fourth victim died at a hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. Authorities said the individual was a man believed to be around 30 years old whose identity has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities Continue Investigating the Incident
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed that the Mexico City Attorney General's Office has launched a formal investigation to determine what caused the asphyxiation deaths and how the tragedy unfolded during the massive public gatherings.
The mayor said investigators are focused on reconstructing the sequence of events and determining whether anyone may be held responsible. She also ruled out alcohol consumption as a factor in the deaths and emphasized that authorities will carry the investigation through to its conclusion.
As an immediate response, Brugada announced stronger civil protection, public safety and emergency medical protocols for Mexico's next World Cup match on Sunday, as another large turnout of supporters is expected.
More Than One Million Fans Took to the Streets
Official figures indicate that approximately 1.4 million people gathered across the capital to celebrate Mexico's victory. Around 484,000 fans assembled along Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Juárez, and the Monumento a la Revolución, while another 95,000 gathered around Mexico City Stadium.
More than 35,000 public servants participated in the city's security and emergency operation. Throughout the celebrations, emergency personnel provided more than 700 medical treatments and transported 28 people to hospitals for injuries, alcohol intoxication, anxiety attacks, and other medical emergencies.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine exactly what led to the tragedy while strengthening safety measures in an effort to prevent a similar incident during future 2026 FIFA World Cup celebrations.
