Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will make history by becoming the first player from his country to participate in a sixth World Cup. Coach Javier Aguirre has included the 40-year-old in his final 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament.
With this appearance, Ochoa equals the record of appearances with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, ranking among the greatest names in the history of world football. He leaves behind Mexican legends such as Antonio Carbajal, Andres Guardado and Rafa Marquez, who had played in five World Cups.
Ochoa made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has been a star in several tournaments, including a performance against Brazil in 2014 and crucial saves in the 2018 edition, as well as a penalty save in 2022. However, this time he is not expected to be the first choice in goal, as Raul Rangel is seen as the starting goalkeeper.
According to reports, Ochoa could see minutes in the group stage, depending on Mexico’s performance in the tournament.
Mexico’s squad brings a mix of experience and youth, with Raul Jimenez, Edson Alvarez and Johan Vasquez all expected to be key players.
Mexico, along with the USA and Canada as tournament hosts, aims to return to historic successes at the World Cup.
Mexico’s full World Cup roster:
Goalkeepers : Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol)
Defenders : Israel Reyes (Club América), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Jorge Sánchez (PAOK), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Mateo Chávez (PSV)
Midfielders : Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Luis Romo (Chivas), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Edson Alvarez (Fenerbahce), Gilberto Mora (Club Rechita), Cedargoro Fijuana Betis), Luis Chávez (Dinamo Moscow).
Forwards : Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas), Armando Gonzalez (Chivas), Raul Jimenez (Fulham).
