After Mexico qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the streets of Mexico City were filled with celebrating fans. Among chants, flags and caravans, a celebration appeared again that went viral during the tournament: “He wants to fly!”

Now, the capital authorities are asking to stop doing so. The reason is simple: it can cause serious injuries and even put the lives of those who participate at risk.

What does “he wants to fly” consist of?

The dynamic is deceptively simple. A group of people lift another person above their heads and throw them into the air several times while everyone chants: “He wants to fly, he wants to fly!”

Then they try to catch it before it falls to the ground. The practice began to be seen in fan meetings after the World Cup matches and quickly spread on social networks, where hundreds of videos show groups repeating the same ritual in squares, streets and celebration areas.

Why does the Government ask not to do it?

The call comes a few days after the massive celebrations for Mexico's victory over Ecuador, which brought together more than a million people in Paseo de la Reforma and its surroundings. During that celebration, four people died in the middle of the crowds, which led the Government of Mexico City to reinforce security operations for the next games.

Although these deaths were not caused by “he wants to fly,” the capital's Health Secretariat considers that this type of practice increases the risk of accidents in mass gatherings.

The risks for those who “fly”… and for those who launch it

The Ministry of Health warned that the maneuver can cause blows to the head, concussions, fractures, injuries to the neck and spine, sprains and dislocations, muscle tears, and even death in the event of a serious fall.

The risk does not only affect who is thrown. People holding it can also suffer injuries to their shoulders, back, wrists or lose their balance and cause a collective fall.

For this reason, as part of the prevention campaign, the Ministry of Health summarized its recommendation with a motto: “Better for goals to fly, not people.”

In addition, he asked to moderate alcohol consumption, stay hydrated, go accompanied to the festivities and avoid behaviors that could endanger other people.

Reinforced operations for the next matches

Faced with the possibility of new mass celebrations if Mexico continues to advance in the World Cup, the Government of Mexico City announced that it will expand the areas with giant screens, reinforce the police and Civil Protection presence and maintain controls on the sale of alcohol in the areas with the highest concentration of fans.

The objective, according to the authorities, is for the football festival to continue, but with fewer risks for those who go out to celebrate.

CDMX calls to avoid risks in celebrations for the 2026 World Cup

The capital authorities recommend that the population avoid exposing themselves unnecessarily to risk situations at mass events. And they shared a list of preventive measures:

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