2026 World Cup: An 81-year-old fan died ahead of the opening match in Mexico City
The start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico was marred by a tragic incident. An 81-year-old fan from Germany died near the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City before the opening match.
The incident occurred on June 11, shortly before the start of the match between the national teams of Mexico and South Africa.
According to local media reports, the elderly fan suddenly fell ill near the Azteca Stadium, where he had come to watch the World Cup opening match.
Paramedics arrived quickly and immediately began CPR. Medical personnel fought to save the man’s life for several minutes, but all attempts were in vain.
The 81-year-old German citizen died before the match began.
Initially, Mexico City authorities only reported that the victim was not a Mexican citizen. Later, tournament organizers stated that the fan had been taken to the hospital in stable condition, but journalists and eyewitnesses confirmed that the man had died at the scene.
Experts believe that the heart attack may have been triggered by challenging weather and geographical conditions.
Mexico City is located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, which places additional strain on the cardiovascular system. This was compounded by the heat and large crowds around the arena.
Experts note that adapting to such conditions is a serious challenge not only for fans but also for the athletes participating in the tournament.
Despite the festive atmosphere and the grand opening ceremony, the tragic death of a German fan became one of the first high-profile incidents of the 2026 World Cup, which is being held this year in three countries—Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.
This was reported by the Washington Times.
On Thursday, June 11, the final stage of the 23rd FIFA World Cup kicked off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The opening match kicks off the tournament, which for the first time in history is being hosted by three countries simultaneously. Over the coming weeks, national teams from around the world will compete for the top soccer trophy.
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