Mexico Increases Security for World Cup Match Against England
As Sunday’s World Cup Round of 16 match against England approaches, Mexico is enhancing security measures following some troubling incidents during recent celebrations.
On Friday, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced that authorities would be doubling security efforts and restricting crowd sizes at festivities planned for the Independence Monument and the central plaza. This decision comes in the wake of tragic events earlier in the week.
Following Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador at Estadio Azteca— a win that propelled the team into the knockout stage—four individuals lost their lives. Reports indicated that three died due to suffocation, while another suffered a fatal cardiac event after experiencing an epileptic seizure.
The celebrations after the match were so intense they even triggered seismic sensors across Mexico City, which registered the excitement as an artificial earthquake.
Meanwhile, multiple reports surfaced that England’s hotels in Mexico City are under tight security, with the presence of police, anti-riot units, and roadblocks, as local fans made attempts to disrupt the traveling team.
Previously, Mexican fans had engaged in similar confrontations before their match against Ecuador, leading them to file a formal complaint with FIFA.
The hype around this match has definitely escalated. Interestingly, FIFA had briefly contemplated moving the kickoff time from 6 PM to 12 PM due to weather concerns but ultimately decided against it after both teams expressed their dissatisfaction with the idea.
Earlier this week, the England team deferred traveling to Mexico City, citing espionage fears. They opted to stay at their training base in Kansas City until Friday to maintain their focus on the preparations.
It’s significant to note that Mexico hasn’t advanced past the Round of 16 since 1986 when they made it to the quarterfinals. This recent victory marked their first advancement to the knockout stage in a FIFA tournament in over three decades.
