An 81-year-old German fan died near Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the Mexican capital, hours before the kickoff of the opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.
According to the Mexican website Publimetro, the fan suffered a heart attack while attempting to enter the stadium through Gate 1, near the “Rampa 2” area, which necessitated immediate intervention from the ambulance and emergency teams deployed around the stadium.
The report added that medical staff performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the fan at the scene before transferring him to the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico City, where he passed away due to his health crisis.
The incident occurred before the start of the opening match of the tournament, which ended with the Mexican national team defeating South Africa two goals to nil in Group A competition.
Azteca Stadium holds historical significance in World Cup tournaments, as it became the first stadium to host the opening match of the tournament in three different editions, having hosted the opening ceremonies of the 1970 and 1986 World Cups before hosting the opening of the 2026 edition.
Featured image via Carl Recine/Getty Images
By Alaa Shamali
