Mexico v England last 16 stays 18:00 after federations' pressure | OneFootball

FIFA backed away from moving Mexico v England from 18:00 to midday in the World Cup last 16, after pressure from the Mexican, English and Brazilian federations.

The governing body had explored a switch to avoid frequent late afternoon storms in Mexico City, and after a one-hour delay hit Mexico v Ecuador at the Azteca in the last 32. The lack of consultation angered both federations, with England initially learning of the plan via reporters.

Coaches Javier Aguirre and Thomas Tuchel had built detailed schedules for the tie. Aguirre said a noon kick-off would have upended six hours of preparation, from meals and rest to physio, with 60 staff supporting 26 players.

“I was informed. I do not agree, but no one asked my opinion, so there is nothing to do. It is FIFA who decide. Give me the 18:00 slot and off we go,” said Aguirre on Radio Fórmula.

Any change required approval from broadcasters Televisa and TV Azteca in Mexico and BBC One in England. A noon start would have placed the match in UK prime time rather than the middle of the night, though the BBC denied involvement in rescheduling talks.

Shifting this fixture would also have forced a move for Brazil v Norway, originally set four hours earlier, which drew strong complaints from the Brazilian federation when notified. Following the federations’ pushback, FIFA kept the original 18:00 kick-off.

Source: L'Équipe