Mexico City bans alcohol sales ahead of World Cup clash with Czech Republic

Mexico City has banned alcohol sales across large parts of its historic centre ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup match between Mexico and the Czech Republic, with the prohibition running from 3 p.m. until 7 a.m. Thursday — a window that encompasses the 7 p.m. kick-off at Mexico City Stadium.

The measure targets convenience stores, grocery shops, and supermarkets rather than bars and restaurants, which remain exempt. The restricted zone is extensive, covering the historic downtown, the popular Zona Rosa entertainment district, and Reforma Avenue — the capital’s main thoroughfare where supporters traditionally gather at the Angel of Independence monument to celebrate football victories.

Authorities moved to impose the ban after more than 700,000 people descended on the city centre last week to mark Mexico’s victory over South Korea, a result that secured their place in the World Cup knockout stage. Despite heavy rain, fans packed Reforma Avenue in a sea of green jerseys, waving flags and singing late into the night.

The scale of the celebrations left a significant mark on the city. Officials reported collecting approximately 40 metric tons of waste from the historic centre and surrounding areas in the aftermath. Public consumption of alcohol is already illegal in Mexico, and authorities had previously announced increased monitoring of street vendor beer sales following the South Korea match.

The ban reflects the tension city officials face between accommodating the enormous popular enthusiasm for Mexico’s World Cup campaign and managing the public order and sanitation challenges that large-scale street gatherings bring.