WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: A German national died outside the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City before the World Cup opening match after suffering a heart attack
An 81-year-old football enthusiast tragically passed away outside the Azteca Stadium ahead of the World Cup opening match, following a heart attack.
The elderly German supporter collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest just hours before co-hosts Mexico triumphed over South Africa with a 2-0 victory. Disturbing footage depicted the man laying on the ground while a large team of paramedics encircled him, initiating resuscitation attempts.
Red Cross personnel, Civil Protection officers and other emergency staff worked tirelessly on the fan, performing CPR in a desperate attempt to save his life. The incident unfolded at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, as thousands of fans congregated for the opening ceremony.
Despite immediate on-site medical attention, the German national was swiftly transported by ambulance to a specialist cardiology hospital.
He was later declared dead despite the swift medical intervention, as reported by NeedToKnow. The unfortunate event cast a sombre tone over the build-up to the inaugural night of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Authorities confirmed that emergency protocols were promptly activated, with medical teams already stationed for the high-profile event.
No additional details regarding his identity or specific medical history have been disclosed by authorities.
The 81-year-old was an international fan who had travelled to witness the historic occasion in the Mexican capital.
The match proceeded as scheduled, kicking off at 8pm local time. England’s first Group L match against Croatia is set to take place next Wednesday (June 17).
Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup got underway on Thursday – and supporters were left raging with ITV’s coverage of the tournament’s opening night.
The biggest competition in sport got underway from a fervent Azteca Stadium, where co-hosts Mexico City beat South Africa 2-0. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured Javier Aguirre’s side all three points, but the drama wasn’t over there as South Africa finished with nine men, while Mexico were reduced to 10 in the closing moments. Yaya Sithole, Themba Zwane and Cesar Montes were all given their marching orders.
The usual ITV suspects of Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane were on hand to analyse the match, but as part of a twist for the World Cup, the broadcaster had a segment with former Man v Food host Adam Richman.
Football fanatic Richman was a surprise guest for the show, but fans were not impressed and are already demanding a reshuffle. Posting on X, @themightyi21 said: “ITV need to ditch this Adam Richman thing ASAP. It’s cringe.”
@HarryFan4Life_ wrote: ” ITV please get rid of that American bloke and the woman with him. They’re awful. #Worldcup #ITVworldcup.”
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