Mexico boosting security for England World Cup clash after fan deaths

Mexico boosting security for England World Cup clash after fan deaths

Mexico is ramping up security ahead of Sunday’s World Cup Round of 16 clash against England after celebrations earlier this week turned deadly.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced Friday that officials would double security and restrict crowd sizes at the Angel of Independence and a festival in the city’s main square, according to ESPN.

The measures come after four people died during the celebrations that followed Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador at Estadio Azteca, which sent the host nation into the knockout stage.

Fans celebrate Mexico’s victory against Ecuador in the Round of 32 of the World Cup with fireworks at Angel de la Independencia on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. Getty Images

City officials said three people died from asphyxiation, while another died from cardiac arrest after an epileptic seizure.

During the game, the celebrations were enough to cause an artificial earthquake, with both goals activating seismic sensors across Mexico City. 

On Friday, several outlets reported that England’s hotel was under heavy security with police, riot shields and road blocks in place as local fans attempted to disturb the squad.

Mexico fans had done the same to Ecuador ahead of their Round of 32 bout, which resulted in a formal complaint to FIFA. 

The drama in the lead-up to this highly anticipated matchup didn’t stop there. 


Fans celebrate Mexico's victory against Ecuador in the Round Of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026 with fireworks at Angel de la Independencia on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Fans celebrate Mexico’s victory against Ecuador in the Round Of 32 – FIFA World Cup 2026 with fireworks at Angel de la Independencia on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. Getty Images

FIFA officials briefly considered moving the kickoff up to 12 p.m. from 6 p.m. local time due to weather concerns, but backtracked after complaints from both teams. 

Earlier this week, England delayed traveling to Mexico City out of supposed concerns over spying, opting to remain in their base camp in Kansas City until Friday to keep their preparation guarded. 

Mexico hasn’t advanced beyond the Round of 16 since 1986, when the squad reached the quarterfinals.

Tuesday’s win marked Mexico’s first in the knockout stage of the FIFA tournament since 1986.

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