Mexico coach Aguirre blasts FIFA over last-minute England kick-off change at World Cup

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has lashed out at FIFA after their 2026 World Cup last-16 match against England was shifted six hours earlier, with the governing body still to formally confirm the change. The game, initially scheduled for 6pm local time in Mexico City, has reportedly been moved to 12pm local time (7pm UK) on Sunday due to electrical thunderstorms in the area.

Aguirre, speaking to Mexican media in a candid and frustrated address, said he was only consulted after hours of uncertainty — and made clear he was far from satisfied. “That’s right, it’s like a kick in the gut, it changes everything, the plan,” he said. “It’s not that it’s completely ruined, but almost, because you have to swallow six hours of scheduled training.”

The Mexico coach detailed the logistical knock-on effects for his squad of 26 players and the 60 support staff working around them. “Obviously, we will abide by what FIFA says. I don’t like it at all, nor do my players. Of course, the food, the nap, the sleep, the physiotherapy, everything, everything — it seems trivial, but it isn’t.”

Aguirre was equally pointed about the lack of prior communication from FIFA. “They didn’t consult me and yes, I’m quite angry,” he said. “I can understand reasons and arguments, but in the end, yes, they screw me over a little.”

When asked whether the earlier kick-off at the Azteca Stadium might hand an advantage to the hosts, Aguirre was unequivocal in his denial. “Not at all, zero, no advantage whatsoever,” he said. “On the contrary — since that day in Ecuador we talked, we knew the schedule, we knew the venue, we didn’t know the opponent, that’s true, but in the end we have no choice but to abide by what FIFA says.”

FIFA has yet to issue an official statement confirming the rescheduled kick-off time.