In response to the tragic deaths of four individuals during celebrations of Mexico’s victory over Ecuador, President Claudia Sheinbaum has reassured visitors that the nation is still a safe travel destination. Addressing the incident, Sheinbaum defended the actions of Mexico City authorities and announced new strategies to better manage large crowds at public events. She stressed that the unfortunate event should not deter tourism, affirming that Mexico continues to be a safe place for travelers.
The president’s remarks followed the United Kingdom’s updated travel advisory, which cautioned its citizens to remain vigilant during upcoming festivities related to Mexico’s football matches. The advisory highlighted concerns over increased reports of mobile phone theft and drink spiking in crowded settings. While acknowledging these issues, Sheinbaum assured that local authorities are already implementing additional safety measures after Tuesday’s events, where three people died from asphyxiation and one from cardiac arrest in a crowd of over a million near Paseo de la Reforma.
To address these concerns, the Mexico City government plans to install more large screens along Paseo de la Reforma to disperse spectators and alleviate crowd density. Sheinbaum noted that security personnel and officials from the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection will continue to guide fans during future celebrations. Recognizing the challenge of managing such large gatherings, she emphasized that the focus remains on public guidance rather than physically controlling the massive crowds.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has also announced plans to enhance civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures ahead of the next major football celebration on Sunday. Despite deploying approximately 15,000 police officers, including over 4,200 along Paseo de la Reforma, during the previous event, the deadly incident could not be prevented. Brugada characterized the gathering as the largest public assembly in the city’s history, estimating participation at over 1.4 million people.
City officials are now advising supporters to celebrate across multiple locations instead of concentrating solely around the Angel of Independence monument. They are also encouraging responsible alcohol consumption and considering restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during major events. As preparations continue for another large turnout, additional crowd management and safety measures are anticipated to be announced before the weekend.