At least two people lost their lives during nationwide celebrations after Mexico secured a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a historic victory over Ecuador, authorities said on Wednesday.
According to Mexico City’s health ministry, a 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man died from asphyxiation amid the huge crowds that flooded the capital following the national team’s triumph.
Officials have yet to confirm local media reports suggesting a third fatality.
The celebrations erupted after Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory.
The result sent the tournament co-hosts into the last 16 for the first time since the country hosted the competition in 1986.
City officials estimated that more than one million supporters poured onto the streets of the capital, with the largest gatherings taking place around the iconic Angel of Independence monument.
Mexico seized control of Tuesday’s match through a dominant first-half display.
Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock with a powerful finish before setting up Raúl Jiménez, who doubled the advantage to seal a memorable victory.
The win extended Mexico’s impressive record at the Azteca Stadium, where the team is now unbeaten in its last 10 World Cup matches.
The hosts will next face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Round of 16.
Mexico has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, finishing the group stage with three victories from three matches while becoming one of only three teams alongside France and Argentina to advance with a perfect record without conceding a goal.
Authorities continued monitoring the aftermath of the celebrations on Wednesday as investigations into the fatalities remained ongoing.
