After four deaths were tied to celebrations surrounding Mexico’s round of 32 victory in the World Cup on Tuesday, government officials have moved to reduce crowds at the city’s watch parties and double security in advance of Sunday’s round of 16 match against England.
Mexico’s 2-0 victory against Ecuador at Mexico City this week was the country’s first win in a knockout-round match since 1986.
Large crowds have gathered to watch matches near Mexico City’s “Angel of Independence” monument, including Tuesday when four people died from either asphyxiation or cardiac arrest.
As an investigation into the deaths is ongoing, Mexico City mayor Clara Brugada announced that the crowd near the monument will be restricted to 25,000 people on Sunday. More gathering spots with video screens will be set up in the area.
A similar procedure will be in place at Mexico City’s main square. There will be more than 50 designated viewing areas in the city.
A victory on Sunday would put Mexico into the quarterfinals of the tournament, where they have been just twice before in both 1970 and 1986. In both years, the team was playing on home soil, but were eliminated before reaching the semifinals.
–Field Level Media
