Supporters celebrate after Mexico won their World Cup game against Ecuador. Photo: Reuters

The deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence landmark, where thousands of soccer fans had gathered to celebrate Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32.

Emergency teams tended to three unconscious people at different locations around Paseo de la Reforma, authorities said. ⁠The capital's most emblematic boulevard and the streets around it had been closed to traffic and set up for the soccer celebrations.

"After receiving advanced resuscitation efforts, the deaths of a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman from suffocation have been confirmed," the health authority initially said on social media.

The third fatality was a 48-year-old woman who was treated on a nearby street after suffering asphyxiation and died after being taken to hospital, the secretariat added in a later ‌post.

Mayor ⁠Clara Brugada expressed her condolences to the families of the victims on X and urged everyone to "always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy".

Mexicans took to the streets to celebrate after the national team ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout ⁠victory at the Azteca Stadium in the capital, with the win against Ecuador sending the co-hosts into the last 16.

The fans' euphoria, amid cheering and chants, contrasted with ⁠images shared on social media of emergency responders and paramedics tending to distressed people lying on the ground in nearby streets.

With more than 20 ⁠million residents, Mexico City's metropolitan area is one of the most populous on the planet and is accustomed to large celebrations and huge crowds of people.