Mexico's 2-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 victory over Ecuador was overshadowed by tragedy after two people - a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman - died of suffocation during packed street celebrations near Mexico City's Angel of Independence. The win sent the co-hosts into the Round of 16, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory.

Mexico City: Two people died from suffocation after thousands of fans packed the streets of Mexico City during celebrations following Mexico's 2-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday [local time], the capital's health secretariat said on Wednesday, as per Reuters.

The tragedy occurred at the intersection of Hamburgo and Lancaster streets near the Angel of Independence monument.

"After receiving advanced resuscitation efforts, the deaths of a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman from suffocation have been confirmed," the health authority said on social media, as per Reuters.

Co-hosts Mexico advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ecuador in Mexico City, ending a long wait for a knockout-stage triumph at the tournament.