In the wake of a tragic incident during Mexico’s celebratory events following a football victory over Ecuador, President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured that Mexico remains a safe destination for international travelers. Despite the unfortunate deaths of four individuals during the celebrations, Sheinbaum expressed confidence in the measures being taken by Mexico City’s authorities to enhance crowd management at future public gatherings. She urged that this isolated incident should not deter tourists, emphasizing the country’s commitment to ensuring visitor safety.

The reassurance from President Sheinbaum comes as the United Kingdom revised its travel guidance, advising citizens to exercise caution during upcoming football celebrations in Mexico. The advisory highlighted concerns over increased mobile phone theft and instances of drink spiking in crowded settings. Acknowledging these issues, Sheinbaum stated that local authorities are taking proactive steps to improve safety protocols after the recent tragedy, which involved three deaths from asphyxiation and one from cardiac arrest amid over one million people gathered near Paseo de la Reforma.

To address these concerns, the Mexico City government, led by Sheinbaum, is planning to install more large screens along Paseo de la Reforma. This initiative aims to disperse the crowd and reduce the risk associated with densely packed gatherings. Sheinbaum explained that security personnel, alongside federal government and Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection officials, will be actively involved in managing and guiding fans during future celebrations. She emphasized the importance of public guidance over physical containment in managing such large crowds.

Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced plans to bolster civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures in anticipation of the next major football celebration scheduled for Sunday. 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 fatal incident. Brugada described it as the largest public gathering in the city’s history, with an estimated 1.4 million attendees. In response, city officials are encouraging fans to celebrate at multiple locations instead of congregating solely at the Angel of Independence monument.

Authorities have also called for responsible alcohol consumption and are contemplating imposing restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during major public events. As officials prepare for another large turnout, additional crowd management and safety measures are expected to be announced before the weekend. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that future celebrations remain safe and enjoyable for all participants.