Mexico urges safe World Cup celebrations after fatal crush as England ticket prices surge on FIFA portal
Mexico City authorities deploy 60 giant screens and limit access to landmarks for Sunday's World Cup round of 16 against England, following a crush that killed four after the Ecuador game, as FIFA's ticket resale portal draws sharp criticism.
Ticket resale fury
England fans who obtained tickets through a December ballot saw their match passes relisted for thousands of pounds on FIFA's official resale portal after England sealed a 2-1 victory over DR Congo. The FA confirmed the tickets were distributed to members of the England Supporters' Travel Club in the ballot. The Football Supporters' Association condemned both the inflated prices and FIFA's 15-percent take from each transaction.
FIFA has deliberately designed an online exchange which allows tickets to be sold at vastly inflated prices with world football's governing body grabbing 15% of the money from both the buyer and the seller. While we have always called out FIFA for ripping off fans at this World Cup, we can't excuse supporters who choose to tout their own tickets at ridiculous prices either.
FIFA defended its variable pricing approach, saying it aligns with industry trends and ensures fair market value.
Four die in crush after Ecuador win
The safety alert stems from a fatal crowd crush following Mexico's 2-0 win over Ecuador on June 30. About one million supporters gathered on Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma, near the Angel de la Independencia monument. Three people, a 44-year-old man and two women aged 19 and 48, suffocated in the crush; a fourth victim died in hospital. Medics treated more than 1,600 people for bruises, fractures, alcohol poisoning and panic attacks during the night.
We must avoid alcohol abuse, because whenever there is excessive drinking at these kinds of celebrations, problems can arise, including more violence linked to alcohol.
Sheinbaum added that beyond official measures, fans bear an individual responsibility to avoid packing into already-crowded areas.
City deploys screens, extends dry law
Mexico City head of government Clara Brugada announced that 60 giant screens will be spread across the city, with six additional screens along Reforma, to pull fans away from the Angel, where access will be capped at 25,000 people. Street closures, temporary Metro station shutdowns and a dry law for the historic centre are also under consideration. The UK Foreign Office issued a travel alert warning against non-essential travel to several Mexican states, noting a rise in mobile phone thefts and drink adulteration.
It is safe to visit Mexico.
- England Supporters' Travel Club ballot for match tickets
- Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0; 1 million fans gather on Reforma, four die in crush
- England beat DR Congo 2-1; match tickets become eligible for resale on FIFA portal
- UK Foreign Office issues travel alert for Mexico, warning of thefts and drink spiking
- President Sheinbaum urges responsible celebrations; Mexico City announces 60 screens and crowd limits
- Mexico v England World Cup round of 16 at Azteca Stadium, 18:00 local time
Unbeaten hosts meet England
Co-hosts Mexico have won all four games without conceding a goal, beating South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic and Ecuador. England are also unbeaten after a high-scoring opener against Croatia, a stalemate with Ghana, a win over Panama and a late comeback against DR Congo in which Harry Kane struck twice. Sunday's match at the Azteca Stadium (18:00 local time) will send the winner into a quarter-final.
