Mexico City Imposes Alcohol Restrictions Ahead of World Cup Match

People gather at the Monument of Angel of Independence to celebrate Mexico’s victory over Korea in the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 18 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo: Ian Robles/Eyepix Group/NurPhoto via AP)

Mexico City will temporarily restrict alcohol sales in parts of the capital on Wednesday as authorities move to prevent a repeat of last week’s large-scale street celebrations following Mexico’s World Cup win over South Korea, Reuters reported Tuesday.

The restrictions will run from 3 p.m. local time Wednesday through 7 a.m. Thursday, overlapping with Mexico’s World Cup match against the Czech Republic at Mexico City Stadium.

The ban applies to convenience stores, grocery stores and supermarkets in parts of central Mexico City, including the historic downtown district, Zona Rosa and major stretches of Paseo de la Reforma — areas that typically draw large crowds for public match celebrations near the Angel of Independence monument.

Bars and restaurants will be exempt from the restrictions.

Authorities said the decision follows last week’s celebrations, when more than 700,000 people gathered in central Mexico City after Mexico’s victory over South Korea. The large crowds led to widespread street drinking and significant littering across major avenues.

Officials also said they will increase enforcement against unlicensed street alcohol sales during match hours.

Public drinking is prohibited in Mexico, and enforcement often tightens during major sporting events that draw mass public gatherings.

Despite rainy conditions during the prior celebration, fans filled major thoroughfares, turning parts of downtown into a continuous street party of music, flags and late-night celebrations. City crews later collected an estimated 40 metric tons of waste from the historic center.