Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured international visitors that Mexico remains a safe travel destination, even after four individuals died during celebrations following Mexico’s win over Ecuador. Addressing concerns, Sheinbaum defended the response of Mexico City’s authorities and announced new measures to manage large crowds at future public events. She emphasized that these unfortunate incidents should not deter tourism, affirming the safety of traveling to Mexico.
Her statements came in response to the United Kingdom’s updated travel guidance, which advised its citizens to exercise caution during upcoming celebrations linked to Mexico’s football matches. The advisory highlighted an increase in reports of mobile phone theft and drink spiking in crowded areas. Acknowledging these concerns, Sheinbaum stated that local authorities are already implementing additional safety measures after Tuesday’s tragedy, where three people died from asphyxiation and another from a cardiac arrest amid over a million people gathered near Paseo de la Reforma.
To reduce crowd concentrations, the Mexico City government plans to install more large screens along Paseo de la Reforma, allowing spectators to spread out over a wider area. Sheinbaum noted that security personnel and officials from the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection would continue to guide fans during future events. She stressed the importance of public guidance in managing such large crowds, rather than attempting to physically contain them.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced enhancements in civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures ahead of the next major football celebration. During the previous event, around 15,000 police officers, including over 4,200 stationed along Paseo de la Reforma, were deployed but could not prevent the deadly incident. Brugada described it as the largest public crowd in the city’s history, estimating that over 1.4 million people were present.
City officials are now encouraging fans to celebrate in multiple locations instead of concentrating around the Angel of Independence monument. Authorities are also advocating for responsible alcohol consumption and considering restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during major events. Additional crowd management and safety measures are expected to be announced before the weekend as officials prepare for another large turnout.