“The Mexico City Public Prosecutor’s Office will continue its investigations thoroughly and will keep the public informed as relevant developments arise, in strict accordance with the principles of due process,” stated a representative from the office following a tragic incident during the friendly match between Mexico and Portugal on March 28, 2026.
The match, held at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, ended in a 0-0 draw. However, the event was overshadowed by the death of a fan who fell from the VIP box area onto the car park shortly before the match began. Reports indicate that the fan was intoxicated at the time of the fall.
This friendly served as a key test for the stadium, which has undergone extensive renovations in preparation for the upcoming World Cup, where it is set to host five matches, including the opener on June 11, 2026.
Despite the tragic incident, the match attracted a festive crowd eager to experience the atmosphere ahead of the World Cup. Notably absent from the game were star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao.
Roberto Martinez, the coach of Portugal, commented on the team’s performance, saying, “I think we had 10 shots on goal, which isn’t far off what we were aiming for.” He added, “Success or failure isn’t just about the score. There are many more factors at play these days.”
The reopening of the stadium had been highly anticipated, as it has a rich history, having hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 World Cup tournaments. However, the incident has raised concerns about safety measures in place at the venue.
As investigations continue, the Mexico City Public Prosecutor’s Office has pledged to keep the public informed about any new developments related to the incident.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific circumstances leading to the fall, but the tragedy has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory event.
