The ground literally shook after Mexico’s victory over Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup. A Raspberry Shake seismograph near the Mexico City Stadium recorded significant artificial signals following goals by Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, caused by fan celebrations.

Geophysicists have noted similar phenomena before. In 2018, a seismic signal was detected in Mexico after Hirving Lozano’s winning goal against Germany in Russia. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift concerts at SoFi Stadium generated long-duration signals, confirmed by seismic monitoring sensors.

The term “artificial earthquake” is often used to describe such vibrations recorded during sporting events or large-scale performances. However, experts say this term is misleading. They explain that for a ground movement to be an actual earthquake, it must be associated with a geological process.

Arturo Iglesias from the National Autonomous University of Mexico clarifies that human activity can generate movements detectable by seismographs but these are not genuine earthquakes. He adds that seismic monitoring systems can detect micro-movements due to various factors including the location of stations, terrain characteristics, or surface activities.

Nevertheless, the unusual vibrations generated by large crowds have become a field of increasing research. A better understanding could lead to more precise methods for analyzing seismic activity and distinguishing between different types of vibrations recorded by instruments. This knowledge might also strengthen applications like seismic interferometry, which uses everyday sources to study underground structures without relying on controlled explosions or waiting for natural earthquakes.