The Mexico City government will bolster security and regulate attendance at the Angel of Independence monument and the fan festival in the city’s main square during Sunday’s Mexico-England World Cup match. This decision follows the deaths of four individuals during celebrations after Mexico’s victory over Ecuador earlier this week.
On Friday, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada unveiled the security plan for the day’s events, emphasizing crowd safety in response to the fatalities caused by asphyxiation and cardiac arrest. As Mexico hosts the World Cup and advances farther than in the past four decades, fans have flocked to the streets. High ticket prices have kept many spectators out of stadiums.
Authorities are assuring fans of the country’s safety, especially given past incidents like the February attack in Guadalajara following a cartel boss’s death. An investigation into the four deaths near Paseo de la Reforma, a central location in Mexico City, is ongoing. Two women, aged 19 and 44, and a 48-year-old man succumbed to asphyxiation. Additionally, emergency services attended to a 25-year-old man who later died of cardiorespiratory arrest.
Brugada announced free entry to the Angel monument and the Zócalo, although entry will be limited for safety. Mexico City’s Secretary of Public Security, Pablo Vázquez, specified that 25,000 attendees would be permitted at the Angel monument. Overflow crowds will be directed to alternative viewing areas along Paseo de la Reforma, equipped with large screens. Similar measures apply to the Zócalo, which will host limited-capacity celebrations. Alternative viewing zones will be available across Mexico City.
Security will be significantly increased, with 6,000 officers stationed along Paseo de la Reforma, double the previous figure. Estadio Azteca will see 7,500 officers, while 3,300 will guard the Zócalo. Vázquez emphasized the presence of a security perimeter to control event areas, prohibiting street vendors and delivery drivers. Strategic Metro and Metrobus line closures near Paseo de la Reforma will occur.
César Cravioto, the city’s Secretary of Government, declared a ban on street sales of alcoholic beverages from July 5th. Consumption is permitted only in designated venues such as restaurants and theaters. The Secretary of Civil Protection, Myriam Urzúa, discouraged participation in popular crowd activities like “Want to Fly!” and “Shall We Swim!” for safety reasons.
England’s team arrived at their Mexico City hotel under tight security with no fan disturbances, in contrast to the previous Ecuador match. The players were secured by personnel from the Army, National Guard, and local police. The arrival went smoothly without disruptions experienced during Ecuador’s stay.