World Cup 2026: Gianni Infantino expresses condolences after tragedy during Mexico celebrations

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed his deep sorrow following the deaths of four supporters during celebrations in Mexico City after El Tri’s historic 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the World Cup Round of 32.

In a message shared on social media, the FIFA chief offered condolences to the victims’ families and the wider Mexican football community.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of four people in Mexico City during the celebrations following the Mexican national team’s match at the FIFA World Cup. On behalf of FIFA and the international football community, we send our sincerest condolences to their families and friends.”

The tragedy unfolded near the iconic Angel de la Independencia monument, where hundreds of thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate Mexico’s qualification for the Round of 16. According to local authorities, three people died from asphyxiation during a crowd crush, while a fourth suffered cardiorespiratory arrest amid the chaos.

The celebrations followed one of Mexico’s most memorable World Cup performances in decades.

Mexico end 40-year knockout drought with dominant display

Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez struck within nine first-half minutes as Javier Aguirre’s side defeated Ecuador 2-0 at a packed Estadio Azteca, securing Mexico’s first World Cup knockout victory since 1986.

Despite a one-hour delay caused by thunderstorms in Mexico City, El Tri started with tremendous intensity. Teenage sensation Gilberto Mora controlled the midfield, Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Jiménez doubled the advantage shortly afterwards as the hosts overwhelmed Ecuador before the interval.

Mexico produced a mature and disciplined performance throughout the evening. While Ecuador enjoyed more possession, Aguirre’s team proved far more clinical, creating the clearer opportunities and restricting their opponents to just a single effort on target. Their defensive organisation remained impeccable, extending their run to four consecutive clean sheets at the tournament.

The victory also maintained Mexico’s perfect record on home soil during the competition and strengthened belief that this generation can finally break the country’s long-standing “fifth-game curse.”

However, what should have been a night of unbridled joy was overshadowed by the heartbreaking events in the capital.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crowd surge, while city officials have pledged to review safety measures ahead of Mexico’s upcoming Round of 16 encounter.

For now, the football world joins Gianni Infantino in mourning the victims, even as Mexico continue one of their most promising World Cup campaigns in a generation.