**Title: Mexico City Considers Restrictions on Public Alcohol Sales Following World Cup Celebrations**
**Mexico City, Mexico** – In the wake of exuberant celebrations marking Mexico's victory over South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the government of Mexico City is contemplating measures to regulate the sale of alcohol in public areas. The decision comes after an estimated 700,000 fans gathered in downtown Mexico City to celebrate the national team's advancement to the knockout stage of the tournament.
The celebrations, which took place on June 18, 2026, were marked by a vibrant display of national pride, with fans donning green jerseys and colorful Lucha Libre masks. Many took to the streets, dancing in the rain, waving flags, singing anthems, and blowing vuvuzelas, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
However, the aftermath of the celebrations revealed significant challenges. The following day, Reforma Avenue, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, was left strewn with litter, and approximately 40 tonnes of waste were collected from the historic center. This prompted city officials to reassess the management of public celebrations, particularly concerning alcohol consumption.
Cesar Cravioto, the government secretary of Mexico City, addressed the situation in a news conference, emphasizing the government's responsibility to ensure public safety during such large-scale events. He stated that part of this duty involves controlling illegal alcohol sales on the streets.
To mitigate potential issues, the government is considering asking local restaurants and bars to prevent patrons from taking alcoholic beverages off their premises. Additionally, convenience stores in the vicinity may be requested to halt alcohol sales in the hours leading up to significant matches.
Cravioto also announced plans to enhance crowd management by setting up seven additional large screens across the city center, supplementing the existing twelve. This initiative aims to disperse crowds and provide fans with ample viewing opportunities while reducing congestion in specific areas. Furthermore, the government plans to increase personnel deployment to monitor and limit alcohol sales by street vendors.
"We will keep insisting that fans have fun but without excessive alcohol consumption," Cravioto remarked, highlighting the balance the government seeks to achieve between celebration and public safety.
The measures being considered come amid similar reports from other World Cup host cities. In Boston, for instance, the Scottish fans, known as the "Tartan Army," reportedly consumed such large quantities of beer following their team's victory over Haiti that several bars ran out of stock.
As the tournament progresses, Mexico is set to face the Czech Republic in the group stage on Wednesday, and the government is keen to ensure that celebrations remain enjoyable and safe for all participants.
The proposed measures reflect a growing recognition of the need to manage public gatherings effectively, particularly during major sporting events that draw large crowds. As the World Cup continues, Mexico City's government is poised to implement strategies that promote both festivity and responsible behavior among fans.