Organiziraju koncert u Fan Festu na Zocalu nakon utakmice Meksiko-Engleska; očekuju da će nadmašiti cilj od 2 milijuna prisutnih

The Mexican capital is preparing for one of the most anticipated matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Mexico faces England in the quarterfinals on Sunday, July 5th. This match will take place at the Estadio Ciudad de México, starting at 6:00 PM local time. In addition to the game itself, organizers have planned a free concert at the Zócalo, the main square of Mexico City, following the conclusion of the match. The concert aims to provide entertainment and prevent overcrowding in other parts of the city, which could pose safety risks for fans.

Michel Bauer, CEO of Host City Mexico City and head of the Fan Fest, explained during an interview with Ciro Gómez Leyva on his radio program "Por la Mañana," that the concert is intended to keep fans entertained after the match ends. He emphasized that this initiative is crucial given the tragic incidents that occurred after the previous match between Mexico and Ecuador on June 30th, where four people died, three due to suffocation, near the Angel of Independence monument. These incidents have raised concerns about crowd management and public safety during large gatherings.

Bauer mentioned that while the name of the performing group has not been disclosed yet, it will be a well-known and beloved act, similar to the performance by Banda El Recodo during the opening ceremony of the World Cup 2026. The goal is to ensure that fans remain in designated areas rather than dispersing into potentially dangerous zones around the city.

As of now, more than 1.8 million visitors have attended the Fan Fest held at the Zócalo, and organizers expect to surpass two million attendees by the weekend. This number was initially projected to be reached by the end of the tournament, but current trends suggest it might be achieved earlier. To manage the crowds effectively, authorities have implemented enhanced security measures, including reinforced access controls and ensuring adequate space for spectators.

In response to recent incidents, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and the Secretariat of Security of the City of Mexico (SSC CDMX) have issued warnings to fans to avoid risky behaviors such as participating in viral challenges like "Quieres volar" ("Want to fly") and "Nadaremos" ("We'll swim"), which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. These calls for caution come amid heightened awareness of potential dangers associated with mass gatherings.

For those who prefer to watch the match in a more relaxed setting, several restaurants and bars across Mexico City offer viewing options. The Dog House in Roma Norte provides an English-style pub experience with traditional British dishes and beverages. Similarly, Camarón Buchón in Sinaloa offers a vibrant atmosphere with neon lighting reminiscent of Mazatlán's sunsets, along with a variety of seafood and local cuisine. Barra Lupe in Roma Norte combines traditional Mexican food with innovative cocktails crafted by renowned mixologist Claudia Cabrera. For a more casual option, Taquería La Popular in Santa Fe serves a wide range of tacos and other regional specialties, while the Onza bar in San Ángel offers a cozy environment with limited seating and a selection of both national and international beers.

These venues aim to accommodate fans who wish to enjoy the match without the pressures of large crowds, providing alternative spaces for celebration and social interaction. As the countdown continues to the highly anticipated match between Mexico and England, all eyes are on the Estadio Ciudad de México, where history will be made, and the Fan Fest at the Zócalo promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for thousands of supporters.