Back in 2020, Guillermo Ochoa seemed to know how his World Cup story would end. However, as the 2026 edition drew closer, the goalkeeper began to change his tune, making decisions on the pitch driven by his ultimate goal of playing his way back into the . He got his wish and he is now enjoying his . Following his team's opening-match victory over South Africa, which he watched from the bench, he described his feelings about being part of history. “I want to dedicate my career to the people who have stuck with me and supported me in Mexico and around the world,” he said. “Their love for me, especially off the pitch, tells me that I did things right throughout my career and that I made the right decisions.”
Ochoa’s journey to being part of a sixth World Cup, however, was far from easy. After competing at Russia 2018 as a Standard de Liege player and taking part in Qatar 2022 during his second spell with Club America, he returned to Europe to try his luck once more. That was when his chances of getting back into the national team began to fade. During Jaime Lozano’s tenure, the team failed to qualify for the 2024 Copa America, at a time when the country’s footballing legends were facing heavy scrutiny. And Ochoa was not exempt from the criticism. A fierce battle then ensued to become coach Javier Aguirre’s No.1. Eight separate goalkeepers were called up before the final 26-man squad was announced. Among them were Alex Padilla of Athletic Club, the only goalkeeper who was playing in Europe, as well as Luis Angel Malagon and Raul Rangel, of Liga MX sides America and Chivas Guadalajara respectively.
Shortly before the start of the World Cup, however, , paving the way for Ochoa to make his return. Given his technical ability and his wealth of experience, he was a logical choice and his fellow players welcomed him back with open arms.
“Memo Ochoa is my idol,” said attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora. “When I was growing up, I used to watch the national team’s matches, and Memo was always in goal, making saves to keep us in the game. Now being able to play alongside him on the pitch and call him a team-mate is a dream come true.”
Days before the World Cup, Ochoa returned to action for El Tricolor in a friendly after more than 565 days on the sidelines. Aguirre brought him on for Rangel in the second half and the fans gave him a standing ovation, while Edson Alvarez handed him the captain’s armband.
“It’s truly heartwarming to see how much people support and love him,” said Rangel after Mexico's . “That also inspires me to work hard and earn the love and support of the fans, just as they show him. In these global finals, Aguirre has already fielded 22 of the 26 selected players, so there is the possibility that Ochoa could get some playing time in the final group stage match against Czechia at Mexico City Stadium. The shot-stopper knows the ground well, having made his professional debut there more than two decades ago with Club America.
Whatever happens, Ochoa's journey has been a lesson a patience. At his first World Cup at Germany 2006, he was third-choice goalkeeper behind first-choice Oswaldo Sanchez and his deputy, Jesus Corona. At South Africa 2010, his hopes were dashed when he was dropped to the bench after a run of starts in the qualifiers, as Oscar “Conejo” Perez was preferred by Aguirre.
He watched all four matches from the bench. “I had pictured myself on the pitch,” he said in a recent interview with FIFA. “However, these experiences pushed me to move forward, pursue my own path and take that leap to Europe to grow. As time went on, these efforts helped me to compete in the World Cups I wanted to play in and to perform at the level I knew I could achieve.”
No one else would stand in the Mexico net in the three subsequent tournaments. As Ochoa winds down his career, this World Cup being his final footballing adventure, Rangel remains Aguirre’s first choice.
However, now at the age of 40, Ochoa sees this opportunity through a different lens. “These are my final few hours (as a national team player). So, I wake up, I give thanks, I smile and I enjoy myself,” he said.
Whenever Mexico line up for the last time in this World Cup, the legendary goalkeeper’s final international match will also be upon us, bringing to an end a career motivated by the national team.
Sources: FIFA Official
