As Gianni Infantino stood beaming in the Miami stands on an unforgettable night at the World Cup 2026, posing for selfies amid celebrities at the unforgettable Argentina vs Cape Verde match, it was hard not to wonder whether he should have been more focused on what Fifa are actually supposed to be about: running football tournaments.
Because, over five needlessly chaotic hours on Friday, they almost failed at the basics of that: confirming a kick-off time for a football match.
The basic details are worth recapping, all the more so because they are clouded in so much confusion.
Shortly after midday in Mexico City, and 7pm in the UK, one Mexican broadcaster reported as fact that Sunday's last-16 match between Mexico and England was being brought forward six hours - to 12pm local - "due to a forecast of thunderstorms".
National team coach Javier Aguirre even went on the same broadcaster's show to furiously complain about it.
Because, over five needlessly chaotic hours on Friday, they almost failed at the basics of that: confirming a kick-off time for a football match.
The basic details are worth recapping, all the more so because they are clouded in so much confusion.
Shortly after midday in Mexico City, and 7pm in the UK, one Mexican broadcaster reported as fact that Sunday's last-16 match between Mexico and England was being brought forward six hours - to 12pm local - "due to a forecast of thunderstorms".
National team coach Javier Aguirre even went on the same broadcaster's show to furiously complain about it.
4 months ago
