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Jubilation turned into a nightmare in Mexico City on Tuesday (June 30) when three lives were lost due to suffocation during celebrations after co-hosts Mexico defeated Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the city stadium to reach the Round of 16.

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Among the dead were two women and a man, aged 19, 48 and 44, respectively. The tragedy took place as millions of fans turned up on the streets of the national capital to celebrate the victory; Mexico City’s health secretariat confirmed early on Wednesday (July 1).

The deaths took place near the city’s iconic Angel of Independence landmark.

It was Mexico’s first win in a World Cup knockout game since 1986, when Mexico had hosted the tournament as well.

Three could not be saved despite emergency response

Emergency teams rushed in after three people fell unconscious at different locations around Paseo de la Reforma, Reuters reported, citing authorities. Paseo de la Reforma is a historic boulevard which was shut for traffic for the football celebrations.

The city’s health authority said the teenage woman and the 44-year-old man could not be revived despite resuscitation efforts and that they died due to suffocation. The third casualty, the 48-year-old woman, was treated on a nearby street after she had suffered from asphyxiation. But she died in hospital, the secretariat added.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada condoled the deaths and appealed to the public to “always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy”. She had also urged fans planning to watch the match near the Angel of Independence to make alternative arrangements since the place was already overcrowded.

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Images of paramedics rushing to the rescue of people who fell sick in crowds contradicted the cheers and celebrations on the streets of the Mexican capital.

Mexico City’s metropolitan area is one of the most populous places on Earth, with a population exceeding 20 million.

Mexico, who are yet to concede a goal in the tournament, will face the winners of the England-DR Congo game in the pre-quarterfinals in Mexico City on Sunday (July 5).

Celebrations in Morocco, unrest in The Netherlands

Across the Atlantic, too, the consequences of the knockout result could be felt. In Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, local football fans erupted in joy after their country defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32 on Monday (June 29).

However, in The Hague, police clashed with local supporters after the Dutch were knocked out. Even riot squads had to be deployed.

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According to a report by The Independent, areas of the city with a sizeable Moroccan community witnessed sporadic unrest. The police were reportedly targeted by fireworks and stones, it said. Riot squads used water cannons to disperse the crowds, and a few people were arrested on charges of committing violence, officials said.