Mexico City, July 11 – Authorities in Mexico City have confirmed a total of five deaths linked to the 2026 World Cup celebrations. Four individuals died following the Mexican National Team’s victory against Ecuador, while one person passed away on the opening day of the tournament.
First Fatality at Fan Fest Zócalo CDMX
The Secretary of Public Health reported on July 6 that a 35-year-old man died on June 11 after attending the Fan Fest at the Zócalo in Mexico City. The incident occurred during the opening day of the 2026 World Cup, coinciding with the match between Mexico and South Africa.
According to the department, this was a circumstantial event not directly linked to any incident within the Fan Festival. The individual, whose identity was not disclosed, arrived at the Gregorio Salas General Hospital in the city center on his own. The medical report indicated ventricular fibrillation as the cause of death, noting a history of cardiac catheterization 30 days prior. The death was classified as related to World Cup events due to his attendance at the Fan Festival before hospitalization.
German Citizen’s Health Scare at Stadium
Earlier, an 81-year-old German man reportedly suffered a heart attack prior to the World Cup inauguration at the Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca / Estadio Banorte) as he was entering the venue. While initial social media reports suggested a fatality, the capital’s Secretariat of Health clarified that the man received immediate attention on-site and was transported to the National Institute of Cardiology in critical condition. Hours later, his condition was reported as stable.
Four Deaths During Mexico vs. Ecuador Celebrations
The match between Mexico and Ecuador, which saw Mexico qualify for the round of 16, tragically claimed the lives of four individuals during the mass celebrations on Paseo de la Reforma, near the Angel of Independence, on the evening of June 30.
The Mexico City government confirmed these four deaths. Three fatalities were due to asphyxiation during the massive gatherings, while the fourth involved a 19-year-old who experienced a medical emergency and later died in a hospital.
Victims Identified:
- Emilin Yumith Téllez, 48: Reportedly tripped and fell at the intersection of Paseo de la Reforma and Río Neva, where she was trampled by the crowd. Her nephew sought assistance, and she was transported to Balbuena General Hospital, where she died after midnight due to a cerebral contusion.
- Joshami Irais Robles, 19, and Leonardo Ruiz, 44: Both died on Lancaster Street at the corner of Hamburgo, near the Angel of Independence. The Mexico City Attorney General’s Office reported that both victims died from asphyxiation. Despite pre-hospital care and advanced resuscitation efforts, they could not be revived at San Ángel Inn Hospital.
- Isaías Aparicio Trejo, 19: His death generated controversy as he was reportedly abandoned by his companions, who allegedly stole his valuables and identification, complicating efforts to contact his family. He died on July 1 at Rubén Leñero Hospital. The medical report cited bronchoaspiration as the cause of death, but his family questioned the findings. The Mexico City government and Attorney General’s Office are investigating the circumstances surrounding his loss of consciousness and the actions of those accompanying him.
Medical Attention During World Cup Festivities
From the start of the World Cup on June 11 until the early hours of July 6, the Mexico City Health Secretariat reported a total of 3,563 emergency medical interventions. Of these, 93 individuals were transported for various conditions, including trauma and heart attacks, involving both national and international patients. The classification of interventions followed the institutional triage system.
Mexico vs. England Match: No Fatalities Reported
During the Mexico vs. England match, Health Secretary Nadine Gasman Zylbermann stated that 25 medical attention points were established, staffed by 738 medical professionals. This operation provided 801 medical services and resulted in 26 transfers. Specifically, 490 services were rendered on Paseo de la Reforma, 71 at the Zócalo, and 240 within the stadium, with five transfers. Additionally, 155 people received care for muscular dehydration, general discomfort, and mental health issues. No fatalities were reported during these specific celebrations.
The authorities continue to investigate the incidents to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding each death and to ensure public safety during future mass gatherings.
