Mexico’s Aguirre vents fury over FIFA’s World Cup kick-off shift

The Azteca Stadium’s floodlights flickered on as Mexico prepared for their World Cup last-16 clash with England, but the focus shifted from tactics to timing. Javier Aguirre stood in the dugout, visibly frustrated, as FIFA and the Mexican and English associations debated a potential kick-off change from 6pm local time to 12pm local time in Mexico City. Aguirre told Mexican journalist Joaquin López Doriga on Radio Formula that the proposed shift felt “like a kick in the gut.” He said it would force his team to absorb six hours of lost training time, disrupting meal schedules, naps, sleep, and physiotherapy. “Today, 60 people are working here so that these 26 friends can go out on Sunday and win the game,” Aguirre said. “It’s not a small thing.” The Mexico manager rejected the idea that the late change could benefit his side. “Not at all, zero, name, no advantage whatsoever,” he insisted. “In the contrary, I tell you this is all designed so… they screw me over a little.” Aguirre acknowledged FIFA’s authority but expressed anger at the lack of consultation ahead of the high-stakes tie. Gary Neville, speaking to ITV Sport, argued the change would harm England’s chances. “Conditions are huge for England, playing at 12pm in Mexico vs playing at 6pm, it's very different,” he said. Neville called the move a “sporting disadvantage” and a threat to integrity, adding: “I’ve never seen a League Two game moved back, FIFA are just willy nilly making it up.”

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Flooding risks in Mexico City have driven the talks, with reports suggesting the kick-off could move from 6pm local time (1am BST on Monday) to 12pm local time (7pm BST). The shift would expose both teams to the altitude’s effects at different stages of the match. Aguirre stressed that while FIFA’s decision must be respected, the abrupt change disregarded the meticulous planning of 60 staff supporting 26 players. “The truth is that the change is quite important,” he said.

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Neville countered that fan safety could be addressed without rescheduling, citing Inter Miami’s experience at the same stadium during adverse weather. “You can put fan safety at the heart of it,” he argued. “They have a procedure to deal with it.” The debate underscores the growing friction between logistical concerns and sporting fairness as World Cup co-hosts navigate unprecedented challenges in 2026.