With the game comfortably at 2-0, Aguirre made a highly anticipated and emotional substitution for the national team, replacing Raul Rangel with Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa. With this symbolic gesture, the legendary shot-stopper took the pitch in his fourth different World Cup tournament with playing minutes, a milestone the manager believes deserves immense recognition.

“The moment Guillermo Ochoa stepped onto the pitch, it overshadowed everything else,” Aguirre told TV Azteca after the match. “He is a world-class legend, and I am incredibly proud of him.”

Guillermo Ochoa thankful for the tribute

While Mexico awaits their exact opponent for the Round of 32, the post-game spotlight shifted entirely to Ochoa. His teammates swarmed him on the pitch to celebrate the historic moment, leaving the veteran deeply grateful for the gesture.

“It was even better than I dreamed; everything just fell into place,” Ochoa said. “At the beginning, you are always fighting to get on the pitch. Javier makes the decisions, and this time it was my turn to support from the sidelines. But things aligned perfectly—the result, the setting—and I got my chance to play.“

Mexico now shifts its focus entirely to the Round of 32, with its knockout rival set to be finalized on Friday. For that high-stakes elimination matchup, Raul Rangel is expected to return to the starting XI and reclaim his spot between the posts, barring any unexpected tactical changes from the Chivas shot-stopper.

Is Guillermo Ochoa retiring after the 2026 World Cup?

Guillermo Ochoa is 40 years old and has stated that this will be his final World Cup. However, he has also hinted at the improbable possibility of one last international run, despite the fact that he will be 44 years old by the time the 2030 edition arrives.

While Ochoa is not currently expected to retire from club or international duty immediately following the 2026 World Cup, his long-term future may ultimately depend on how this tournament unfolds for both Mexico and himself.

Ochoa has been a substitute in every game of the 2026 World Cup so far. Thus, Aguirre’s decision to start Raul Rangel, who warned the rest of teams in the World Cup, isn’t all too surprising from that perspective.

However, considering Mexico have already clinched first place in Group A and are guaranteed to play at home in the Land of the Sun, many expected Mexico to start Ochoa against Czechia. The legendary goalkeeper was called up for the sixth time to a World Cup squad, but has yet to register playing minutes in the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico are sticking with Rangel in goal

Aguirre is instead opting to ride the hot hand and stick with Rangel in goal. So far through the 2026 World Cup, Mexico haven’t allowed any goals, and that’s largely thanks to the goalkeeper’s heroics. Against Czechia, Rangel may have one less threat to worry about, as Patrik Schick won’t be starting against Mexico.

Moreover, Rangel is going to be Mexico’s starter in the round of 32, so it made little sense to take him off the team when a goalkeeper runs little risk of injury and may have more to lose than to gain by missing crucial minutes. While Rangel won’t be rested, Raul Jimenez will and he isn’t starting for Mexico.

As for Ochoa, the decision may sting, but it was always going to be a long shot, especially as he was only an emergency addition to the 26-man squad. He wasn’t on Aguirre’s original plans, and the head coach has shown his hand doesn’t tremble even when dealing with a player with a résumé like Ochoa.

Ochoa might be subbed-in

While it would be quite a decision, Aguirre might send Ochoa into the game late during Mexico’s matchup with Czechia. After all, it’s happened several times before.

For example, in 2014, Colombia head coach Jose Pekerman decided to send 41-year-old goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon into their final group-stage game as Colombia defeated Japan 4-1. Perhaps Aguirre—pressured by the sold-out crowd at Mexico City Stadium—pulls a similar move and sends Ochoa into the game late just for him to register another cap with the national team.

Who knows? It may be the last chance Ochoa gets to represent his country, not just in a World Cup, but at all. It’s safe to assume Mexican fans may raise their voices to see “Memo” one last time.

Javier Aguirre is married to the idea of Raul Rangel as the starting goalkeeper for Mexico. Hence, even if Ochoa is making history attending to his sixth World Cup, he will be on the bench as he is in the backup slot for this tournament. However, a win, tie or loss against South Korea will probably change how people see this decision.

Rangel debuted in the World Cup in the 2026 opener against South Africa, and while he didn’t concede any goals, he left some doubts as the nerves were clear, especially when the goalkeeper had the ball on his feet. Aguirre’s confidence in Rangel is clear as Mexico need to win today to qualify for the round of 32.

Ochoa’s World Cup numbers

Memo Ochoa has played 11 World Cup games, conceding 12 goals while recording 4 clean sheets in the process. However, Ochoa is famous for elevating his level of play during this tournament, and that’s why people still want him over Rangel vs. South Korea.

Ochoa is in his swan song, as it was announced that he will hang the gloves after the tournament. Hence, Ochoa might retire without playing a single minute of soccer in his farewell competition. Ochoa won’t be able to wear the green goalkeeper uniform for Mexico vs South Korea, and is likely that he won’t play against Czechia as well.

Is Rangel more deserving to start for Mexico than Ochoa?

While Ochoa has the history and experience for Mexico in the World Cup, the present favors Rangel. In fact, Rangel, who is just 26 years old, has been playing at a much better league than Ochoa.

Rangel excels at the Liga MX, while Ochoa is 40, retiring, and played at AEL Limassol for Cyprus, which is a very low-level league. It’s time to pass the baton, and Rangel is the one that took it.

Although due to very different reasons, both Ochoa and Gimenez will be sitting on the substitutes bench as Mexico host South Africa at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca). Without two of its biggest household names, El Tri will vie to come away with a crucial win against Bafana Bafana.

Ochoa is currently listed as Mexico’s third-choice goalkeeper. In fact, he was a late addition to the national team’s 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Due to Luis Malagon’s injury, El Tri was put in a race against the clock, and Aguirre gave the experienced netminder his vote of confidence.

Guillermo Ochoa has been included in six World Cup squads, though he has only played in three of the previous five tournaments. In their debut in soccer’s biggest tournament, Mexico’s confirmed starting lineup hinted Aguirre is trusting Raul Rangel to stand in goal, leaving Ochoa as an emergency option against South Africa.

Why is Gimenez on the bench?

As for Santiago Gimenez, the young Mexican star who plays for Italian side AC Milan, he has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained last year. He made progress, but Aguirre and his staff are still not fully convinced that Gimenez is ready to start. In fact, in Mexico’s last friendlies, it was Guillermo Martinez who played in the spot usually occupied by Gimenez.

However, in the World Cup debut, Aguirre will roll with the following forward group: Julian Quiñones, Raul Jimenez, and Roberto Alvarado. Both Gimenez and Martinez will be options off the bench if El Tri find themselves in need of reinforcements.

Who is in Group A?

In addition to Mexico and South Africa, Group A is completed by South Korea and Czechia. In fact, the latter two will be going up against one another later tonight, as they will meet at Estadio Guadalajara at 10:00 p.m. ET.

With Mexico’s roster officially unveiled, Ochoa joins Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players ever selected for six World Cups. The veteran goalkeeper didn’t see the pitch during his first two trips, finally earning the starting job in 2014.

Ochoa’s best result in a World Cup run came at Brazil 2014. Although El Tri suffered a heartbreaking Round of 16 exit against the Netherlands, Mexico still secured a impressive No. 10 spot in the tournament’s final standings.

Is Guillermo Ochoa the best goalkeeper in Mexico’s history?

One of the biggest debates surrounding the national team is whether Ochoa is the greatest goalkeeper the country has ever produced. While El Tri boasts a rich history of elite shot-stoppers, Ochoa’s unique international accolades may push him ahead of the pack.

His primary rival for the top spot is Jorge Campos. Renowned for his spectacular reflexes and agility, Campos was named the world’s third-best goalkeeper in 1993 and famously lifted the 1999 Confederations Cup after defeating Brazil.

In contrast, Ochoa is defined by his historic World Cup heroics and globally celebrated saves. He has claimed multiple CONCACAF titles and made history as the first Mexican goalkeeper to firmly establish a career in Europe.

How far can Mexico go in the 2026 World Cup?

Outside of hosting the tournament in 1970 and 1986, Mexico have never advanced past the Round of 16. The elusive “fifth game” has long haunted El Tri, but the 2026 edition offers a prime opportunity to rewrite the script.

Due to the expanded 48-team format, simply reaching the Round of 16 now guarantees a fifth game. However, Mexico’s ultimate goal is to push past that threshold and deeply excel on home soil to make history as co-hosts.

He spent over two decades proving that reflexes and positioning can defy the natural aging process of an athlete. Affectionately known as ‘Memo,’ his iconic curly hair and physics-defying saves against elite global superstars have earned him a cult-hero status that transcends North American soccer.

His presence in the national setup represents the ultimate bridge between eras. Whether starting between the posts or guiding youngsters from the bench, Ochoa remains the spiritual anchor of a Mexican squad facing immense pressure as tournament co-hosts.

How old is Guillermo Ochoa?

Guillermo Ochoa is 40 years old. He was born on July 13, 1985, in Guadalajara, Mexico. At an age when most goalkeepers have long since retired to the commentary booth, ‘Memo’ continues to defy Father Time, relying on his elite anticipation and decades of high-level experience.

How tall is Guillermo Ochoa?

Guillermo Ochoa stands 6-foot-1 (1.85 meters) tall. While he does not possess the towering height of some modern European shot-stoppers, he more than makes up for it with his explosive lateral movement, incredible wingspan, and legendary cat-like reflexes on his goal line.

What are Guillermo Ochoa’s social media accounts?

Guillermo Ochoa is one of the most popular and marketable Mexican athletes on the planet, maintaining a massive digital footprint. Fans can follow his journey, commercial projects, and behind-the-scenes life through his verified social media channels:

• Instagram: @yosoy8a
• X (formerly Twitter): @yosoy8a
• Facebook: Guillermo Ochoa Official

Is Guillermo Ochoa single?

No, Guillermo Ochoa is not single. He has been married to Mexican model and designer Karla Mora since July 2017, after dating for several years. The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Ibiza, Spain, and they have three children together: Lucciana, Guillermo, and Karla.

When did Guillermo Ochoa start his career?

Guillermo Ochoa started his professional career in 2004 with his boyhood club, Club America. He was handed his first-team debut as an 18-year-old prodigy by legendary Dutch manager Leo Beenhakker, quickly displacing veteran keepers to become the undisputed starter for the biggest club in Mexico.

Which teams has Guillermo Ochoa played for?

Ochoa has enjoyed a globetrotting club career across Europe and North America, playing for Club America (Mexico), Ajaccio (France), Malaga (Spain), Granada (Spain), Standard Liege (Belgium), and Salernitana (Italy), AVS Futebol SAD (Portugal), and most recently Cypriot club AEL Limassol.

Will Guillermo Ochoa be at the 2026 World Cup?

Yes, Guillermo Ochoa remains an essential part of the Mexican national team story heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His inclusion allows him to participate in a historic sixth World Cup cycle, providing invaluable leadership and tournament know-how as El Tri looks to maximize their home-field advantage.

With Mexico’s final 26-man roster officially revealed, Ochoa is on the verge of making history with his sixth World Cup appearance. Rather than just traveling as a veteran mentor, momentum has shifted significantly in his favor to stand between the posts on June 11.

Back in 2010, Ochoa was enjoying a spectacular run of form with Club America. However, Aguirre famously benched him in favor of Oscar Perez—a decision that deeply frustrated the fanbase. Now, a reverse parallel seems to be unfolding ahead of the opening match at the Mexico City Stadium.

Reports from Carlos Guerrero of TV Azteca indicate that Ochoa has a very real chance of starting against South Africa. This tactical shift would relegate Raul Rangel to the bench, ironically mirroring Aguirre’s past controversial move—except this time, a promising younger star would sit in favor of the ultimate veteran.

Experience over current form?

Raul Rangel, the talented Chivas goalkeeper, has a relatively brief history with the national team. Entering a tournament as ruthless as the World Cup with limited international experience (13 games with Mexico) presents an undeniable risk, particularly at a position where communication and confidence are paramount.

This is precisely where Ochoa makes his strongest case. The seasoned goalkeeper has historically saved his most iconic performances for the global stage, earning worldwide acclaim for his World Cup heroics far beyond his traditional club career.

While Rangel is an exceptional goalkeeper playing at peak form, Aguirre may ultimately prioritize veteran composure. With El Tri currently lacking a definitive, vocal icon on the pitch, Ochoa is uniquely equipped to step into that leadership role.

Ageless excellence under the crossbar

Guillermo Ochoa is currently 40 years old and will turn 41 on July 13. He hopes to celebrate his birthday with Mexico still alive in the competition, which would mean a historic semifinal run on home soil.

In comparison, Raul Rangel is 26 years old. Ochoa boasts 153 international caps for the Mexican national team. That massive gap in experience is a primary factor that Javier Aguirre will carefully weigh before making his final, definitive selection.

The inclusion of Guillermo Ochoa in the squad for Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup marks a major milestone in his career. With this tournament, the goalkeeper will reach his sixth World Cup appearance, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who will also have competed in six consecutive editions since 2006.

On Saturday, during the friendly matchup against Australia at the Rose Bowl where Mexico won 1-0, Guillermo Ochoa played again for El Tri after a 561-day absence, coming on as a substitute in the second half. His return was closely watched by both the coaching staff and the fans, following a prolonged period without participation in official matches for the squad.

The official 26-man squad list

There are no surprises in Javier Aguirre’s 26-man squad, although Guillermo Ochoa’s inclusion in goal stands out. Among the surprise call-ups are Carlos Acevedo, Obed Vargas, Armando Gonzalez, Alvaro Fidalgo, and young sensation Gilberto Mora, who managed to recover from pubalgia that affected him at the start of 2026.

Goalkeepers:

• Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Raul Tala Rangel (Chivas), and Carlos Acevedo (Santos).

Defenders:

• Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Israel Reyes (America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Edson Alvarez (Fenerbahce), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), and Mateo Chavez (AZ Alkmaar).

Midfielders:

• Luis Romo (Chivas), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Obed Vargas (Atletico de Madrid), Orbelin Pineda (AEK), and Luis Chavez (Dinamo Moscow).

Forwards:

• Alexis Vega (Toluca), Cesar Chino Huerta (Anderlecht), Armando Hormiga Gonzalez (Chivas), Guillermo Memote Martinez (Pumas), Roberto Piojo Alvarado (Chivas), Julian Quinones (Al Qadisiya), Raul Jimenez (Fulham), and Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan).

With these 26 players, Mexico will look to make history in their home World Cup, aiming to reach beyond the famous fifth game. The combination of experience, youth, and international talent will be key for Javier Aguirre and his group to advance as far as possible in the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico’s 2026 World Cup schedule

Mexico will be in charge of getting the ball rolling in the 2026 World Cup. El Tri will inaugurate the World Cup at home by hosting South Africa on June 11, while a week later, they will travel to Guadalajara to face South Korea.

Group stage activity for Mexico will come to an end on Wednesday, June 24, once again in the Mexican capital and this time against Czechia in a matchup that could ultimately define the leadership of Group A.

However, the six-star club was expected to have a third member. Guillermo Ochoa, who—like Messi and Ronaldo—has been present at every edition since Germany 2006, is now facing reports that he may be left out of Javier Aguirre’s final plans for the Mexican national team.

Should Ochoa fail to represent his country this summer, the 40-year-old goalkeeper would remain at five participations, leaving the path clear for Messi and Ronaldo to become the only players in history to reach the six-tournament milestone.

The battle for Mexico’s goal

Reports from Mexico indicate that Raúl ‘Tala’ Rangel (Chivas) and Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna) have virtually secured their spots following the devastating Achilles injury to Luis Angel Malagon, which has ruled the expected starter out of the World Cup.

The battle for the final goalkeeping slot appears to be between veteran Jose Antonio Rodriguez (Xolos) and Ochoa. Currently, Rodriguez seems to have the edge in the eyes of the coaching staff.

“All I know is that Javier [Aguirre] has had talks with Antonio; whether he will call him up, I don’t know,” a member of Aguirre’s staff told Mexican outlet Record. “Personally, Antonio is a goalkeeper with good stats and the level to be at the World Cup, but Javier has the final word”.

Messi and Cristiano chasing the all-time scoring throne

The appearance record isn’t the only history on the line for these legends. Both Messi and Ronaldo are likely entering their final World Cup and have one last chance to become the competition’s all-time top scorer.

Achieving this record will be no easy feat for either player, as Germany’s Miroslav Klose continues to hold the all-time mark with 16 goals. Messi is currently the closest to catching the legendary striker, sitting at 13 goals after his dominant performance in Qatar, where he netted seven goals.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, faces a much steeper climb. With 8 career World Cup goals, the Portuguese captain would need to double his current tally in a single tournament to equal Klose—a monumental challenge even for one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the sport.

According to Mexican national team insider David Medrano, the Mexican Football Federation has already established contact with AEL Limassol to manage Ochoa‘s availability for the upcoming FIFA international window.

Javier Aguirre’s side is scheduled to play two high-profile friendlies in March. First, they will host Portugal on March 28 at the Estadio Azteca, followed by a final preparation match against Belgium on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Should he receive the call-up, Ochoa would be on the path to making history by potentially securing a spot on the final roster for what would be his sixth World Cup appearance.

However, the veteran will face stiff competition for the starting role, as Carlos Acevedo, Andres Gudiño, Raul Rangel, and Andres Sanchez are all vying to fill the void left by Malagon.

Ochoa could make history alongisde Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

If the legendary goalkeeper secures a spot on Mexico’s final roster for the 2026 World Cup, he will become one of the first players ever to participate in six different editions of the tournament.

This potential milestone would place him in an ultra-elite category alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom are also expected to represent their nations in their record-breaking sixth World Cups this summer.

While the three legends have already appeared in five tournaments, 2026 represents a final run that would break a tie with historical icons like Lothar Matthaus and Rafael Marquez.

Players with five World Cup appearances

• Antonio Carbajal (Mexico): 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966
• Lothar Matthaus (Germany): 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998
• Rafael Marquez (Mexico): 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018
• Gianluigi Buffon (Italy): 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
• Lionel Messi (Argentina): 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
• Andres Guardado (Mexico): 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
• Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico): 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022

Head coach Javier Aguirre has decided that the starting goalkeeper for tonight’s match will be Luis Malagon, from America. As a result, Ochoa will begin the match on the bench, despite being one of the team’s most experienced leaders.

In fact, Malagon has been Javier Aguirre’s preferred choice in most matches since the coach began his third stint with the national team, which started in mid-2024 following the team’s failure at the Copa America.

The America goalkeeper played both of Mexico’s matches in this year’s Concacaf Nations League, against Canada and Panama in March. In the friendlies held last week as part of the team’s final preparation for the Gold Cup, he was a substitute in the loss to Switzerland and started in the win over Turkey.

Ochoa’s season

Approaching his 40th birthday, Guillermo Ochoa remains one of the most prominent Mexican players. He joined Avs Futebol of the Primeira Liga—Portugal’s top division—at the beginning of the 2024–25 season.

He appeared in 23 matches during the campaign, although the team’s results were disappointing: they finished 16th in the standings with just 27 points and had to play a relegation playoff against second-division side Vizela to retain their place in the Primeira Liga. Avs won that playoff 5–2 on aggregate, but Ochoa did not play in the decisive match. Instead, Simao Verza Bertell was in goal.

What did coach Aguirre say about Ochoa?

Guillermo Ochoa’s call-up for the Gold Cup drew some criticism in Mexico, given the goalkeeper’s age and the fact that his most recent season was not with a top-tier club. However, Javier Aguirre was full of praise when asked about the 39-year-old.

“I went to see him in Lisbon, he played well, and while his team struggled to stay in the division, I asked him to keep performing at an acceptable level, like he has in recent years,” Aguirre said recently. “He’s a mature man who’s on par with his teammates. I don’t give out favors—everyone is here on merit, and Memo is one of them.”