A man died after falling from the VIP section of the newly renovated stadium set to host the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony this summer.
According to People. the incident happened moments before Mexico and Portugal’s friendly match was set to begin at Mexico City's Banorte Stadium Saturday.
The man fell to his death from the VIP box, the Mexico City Prosecutor's Office (MCPO) said in a statement.
Authorities said the man is believed to have climbed the exterior of the venue while intoxicated as he tried to jump from the second-level box seats to the first level, before falling to the ground.
"According to the first reports, the events were recorded in the building's staging area, from where the person fell to the parking area, causing the loss of his life," said the MCPO in a translated statement shared on Facebook. "The CDMX Prosecutor’s Office will continue investigations in a thorough manner and will keep the public informed as relevant progress is obtained."
The deceased fan has not yet been identified.
Banorte Stadium, which recently underwent a $105 million renovation, is set to host the Wold Cup opening ceremony on June 11.
