More than 1 million people gathered near the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City

An aerial photograph captures soccer fans gathered at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City on Tuesday (local time) to celebrate after Mexico defeated Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. [EPA]
An aerial photograph captures soccer fans gathered at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City on Tuesday (local time) to celebrate after Mexico defeated Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. [EPA]

Three people died of asphyxiation after massive crowds flooded Mexico City to celebrate the national team's advance to the round of 16 at the World Cup.

Mexico City health authorities said three people died from asphyxiation in the early hours of Wednesday near the Angel of Independence monument, a downtown landmark, as large crowds packed the area.

The authorities announced on social media that a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman who collapsed from asphyxiation died despite CPR efforts. A 48-year-old woman who received emergency treatment on a nearby street and was later transported to a hospital was also confirmed dead.

The crowds had gathered to celebrate Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32 of the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup — the country's first knockout-stage win in 40 years. City authorities estimated that more than 1 million people had converged on the area.

As cheers and chants rang out across the streets, videos circulating on social media showed paramedics rushing to treat people who had collapsed on nearby roads amid the celebrations.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed condolences to the families of the victims on X, urging the public to "always celebrate with responsibility, care and empathy."


won@heraldcorp.com