Following a tragic incident that resulted in four fatalities during large-scale celebrations after Mexico’s victory over Ecuador, President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured international visitors that Mexico remains a safe travel destination. In response to the incident, Sheinbaum highlighted the efforts of Mexico City’s authorities and announced new measures designed to improve the management of large crowds during public events. Sheinbaum emphasized that the unfortunate event should not deter tourism, affirming the safety of traveling to the country.
Her statements came in the wake of updated travel advisories from the United Kingdom, which urged its citizens to remain cautious during upcoming celebrations related to Mexico’s football matches. The advisory pointed to a rise in mobile phone theft and drink spiking during crowded events. Acknowledging these concerns, Sheinbaum noted that local authorities are already implementing enhanced safety protocols following the recent tragedy, where three individuals died from asphyxiation and another suffered a fatal cardiac arrest amid crowds surpassing one million on Paseo de la Reforma.
To address crowd control, Sheinbaum announced plans to install additional large screens along Paseo de la Reforma to disperse spectators more evenly and reduce the risk of dangerous crowd concentrations. She also mentioned that security personnel and officials from both the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection will continue to assist and guide fans during future celebrations. She acknowledged the difficulty of managing such large gatherings and said that authorities are prioritizing public guidance over attempting to physically contain more than a million people.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada also revealed plans to enhance civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures ahead of the next major football celebration set for Sunday. During the previous event, an estimated 15,000 police officers, including over 4,200 stationed along Paseo de la Reforma, were deployed but were unable to prevent the deadly incident. Brugada characterized the gathering as the largest public crowd in the city’s history, with over 1.4 million people participating in the celebrations.
City officials are now encouraging fans to celebrate at multiple locations rather than congregating solely around the Angel of Independence monument. In an effort to promote safety, authorities are urging responsible alcohol consumption and are considering imposing restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during major public events. Additional crowd management and safety measures are expected to be announced before the weekend as the city prepares for another significant turnout.