Mexico City was in celebration mode Thursday for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. But amid the festivities, there was also an alarming incident outside Mexico City Stadium.
According to Mexican media reports, an elderly German man collapsed near Gate 1 outside the venue, formerly known as Azteca Stadium.
Witnesses said emergency personnel responded quickly and performed CPR after the man allegedly suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. Videos shared on social media showed emergency crews treating the man as dozens of bystanders surrounded the medical teams.
🚨 Tragedia en el Estadio Azteca:
— 🦅🏆 El HINCHA 🏆🦅⚽ (@El_Hincha12) June 11, 2026
Se reporta el sensible fallecimiento de un aficionado alemán a causa de un paro cardíaco. A pesar del esfuerzo de los paramédicos por reanimarlo, lamentablemente no se pudo hacer nada
pic.twitter.com/KIFulesDTz
In a social media post, Mexico City's Secretariat of Citizen Security said the man was transported to a hospital and remains in stable condition.
Authorities have not released a detailed account of the incident. However, Mexican media reported that additional information on the circumstances surrounding the case and the man's condition are expected in the coming hours.
La #SSC informa:
— SSC CDMX (@SSC_CDMX) June 11, 2026
Personal de la SSC, en coordinación con los servicios médicos privados al interior del #Estadio, atendieron a un hombre extranjero que sufrió un infarto, el cual fue trasladado a un hospital para su atención médica especializada, donde se reporta como estable. pic.twitter.com/Crt6VZePFT
Since undergoing renovations ahead of the World Cup, the stadium, known in Mexico as the "Coloso de Santa Úrsula," has also been the site of another fatal incident.
On the day of its reopening in March, a 27-year-old man identified as Adrián Gómez Vásquez fell from the stadium's second level and was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
According to reports citing information from the Secretariat of Citizen Security, Gómez Vásquez attempted to jump from a second-level ramp to the first level while intoxicated.
Pablo Vázquez, Mexico City's secretary of citizen security, said the man was trying to reach a restroom near the luxury suites but encountered a long line. He then attempted to jump from one ramp to another but instead fell to the ground level.
The fall caused severe injuries that proved fatal. Authorities said Gómez Vásquez suffered a serious head injury and significant blunt-force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Mexico City Stadium is set to host a total of five games during the tournament, including the inaugural match, two other group stage matches, and two games in the knockout rounds.
