Mexico boss Aguirre blindsided by Fifa's World Cup kick-off change ahead of England clash

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has hit out at Fifa for failing to consult him before moving the round-of-16 World Cup fixture against England at the Estadio Azteca, saying the potential kick-off change feels like “a kick in the stomach” and will force a complete overhaul of his team’s preparation.

Fifa was in discussions to bring the game forward from its scheduled 6pm local time slot due to the risk of weather disruption, though no official confirmation had been issued by late Friday night. Aguirre, speaking to Radio Formula, made clear neither he nor his players had been informed before the reports emerged.

“Nobody asked me,” the 67-year-old said. “At 6pm we were perfectly fine. We’ve performed very well at that time. It’s an ideal kick-off, and I love it because we play well then. Noon is not a common time for us. I don’t think we’ve played at 12pm in 40 years.”

Aguirre acknowledged he has no choice but to accept whatever Fifa decides, but was unsparing about the disruption an earlier start would cause. “Now we have to change the entire work plan,” he said. “I’m not saying it goes completely out the window — but almost, because you’re losing six hours that were already scheduled. This changes everything because you have to reschedule everything and wake up earlier.”

Mexico arrive at the last-16 stage in formidable form, having won all four of their matches at the tournament without conceding a goal. England, meanwhile, face the additional challenges of altitude and a hostile atmosphere at the iconic Mexico City venue.

Despite the grievance, Aguirre was careful to dismiss any suggestion that a changed kick-off would hand his side a tactical edge. “I don’t see any advantage, none at all,” he said. “Ever since the match against Ecuador ended, we knew we were playing at 6pm, and now this really hits us hard.”

The manager’s frustration centres less on the outcome and more on the process — the sense that a decision affecting months of meticulous planning was made without a word to the people most directly affected. “I don’t agree with it, and nobody asked me,” he said, “but Fifa decides and I comply.”