Mexico manager left furious with FIFA as he 'confirms' England kick-off change

Mexico and England’s World Cup round of 16 clash’s kick-off has been moved forward six hours from 6pm local time to midday, as confirmed by Javier Aguirre.

There are concerns the match, at its original kick-off time, could be disrupted by weather conditions, including flooding and thunderstorms.

Within England the match had already been a major talking point due to this original kick-off time, 1am British Standard Time, leading to reports that children could turn up slightly later for school to be able to watch the match and that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced pubs in England and Wales would be allowed to stay open until 05:00 BST to let supporters watch the game until the final whistle.

However, this does not appear necessary thanks to the fact that the Mexico head coach has seemingly confirmed that the kick-off will be brought forward six hours, meaning this World Cup clash will start at 7pm BST.

FIFA are still yet to officially confirm the game has been moved forward, but Aguirre told Spanish-Mexican journalist Joaquin López Doriga on Radio Formula: “That’s right, it’s like a kick in the gut; it changes everything, the plan.

This image, created on July 2, is a digital composite of image numbers 2280548170, 2280548401, 2280721450 and 2280721826.) In this photo illustration, (L-R) Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez of Mexico and Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham of England ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 16 match between Mexico and England (Getty Images)

“It’s not that it’s completely ruined, but almost, because you have to swallow six hours of scheduled training.

“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.

“Today, 60 people are working here so that these 26 friends can go out on Sunday and win the game. I mean, it's not a small thing; the truth is that the change is quite important, and I'll tell you this, well, I can understand reasons and arguments, but they didn't consult me, and yes, I'm quite angry."

Ahead of this clash, a lot was made about the advantage that Mexico had at the Azteca Stadium due to their experience playing at altitude compared to England.

When asked about whether the match being brought forward would be an advantage to the Mexican team, Aguirre responded emphatically: “Not at all, zero, none, no advantage whatsoever.

"On the contrary, I tell you this is all designed so since that day in Ecuador we talked, we knew the schedule, we knew the venue, and we didn't know the opponent; that's true, but in the end, yes, they screw me over a little. Yes, well, yes, we have no choice but to abide by what FIFA says."