The plan to advance Mexico vs. England that ended up failing
The false schedule change provoked the anger of Javier Aguirre, who described FIFA's proposal as a "kick in the stomach."
The controversial change of schedule for the round of 16 match between Mexico and England unleashed chaos on social networks and caused open annoyance among Mexican fans because there was never an official confirmation from FIFA, much less from the Mexican Football Federation.
Tricolor strategist Javier Aguirre described the FIFA modification as a “kick in the stomach” during an interview with Grupo Formula, arguing that the adjustment severely affects the logistics of feeding, rest and recovery of his players.
The uncertainty began when various media reported that the meeting, originally scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, would be brought forward to 12:00 noon. The measure responded to a preventive protocol in the face of electrical storm forecasts in the country's capital.
However, the confusion grew due to the crossing of versions and the initial lack of an official statement from the sports organization or the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), which never made an official statement and apparently sent coach Javier Aguirre to advance.
Tension increased after Aguirre's statements with journalist Joaquín López-Dóriga. In said space, the technical director took the modification for granted and raised his voice forcefully: "My mother breaks me a little; I can understand reasons, but no one consulted me and I am quite angry." The helmsman emphasized that losing six hours of planning completely alters the medical preparation of footballers with physical discomfort.
After hours of speculation and complaints, FIFA maintained its secrecy and gave way to speculation that the entire time change mess was generated by the television company that suggested FIFA reconsider a time change due to the issue of electrical storms.
But the authorities confirmed that the duel at the Mexico City Stadium will be played definitively at its original time of 6:00 p.m., keeping the logistical plans of both squads intact.
Although commercial television stations were broadcasting the modification as a fact during the day, subsequent official reports indicate that the original proposal came formally from the Government of Mexico for reasons of civil security and climate. It was the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and the English Association (FA) who ended up pressuring FIFA to reject the adjustment and keep the planning intact.
Official versions confirmed that the proposal to advance the game arose from local authorities in response to weather alerts, and was replicated by television stations before obtaining approval. Finally, the firm stance of the FMF and the English Football Association (FA) towards FIFA stopped the initiative, allowing coach Javier Aguirre to maintain the original plan after a day of misinformation.

