Mexico city, 01 May (H.S.): Veteran Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has announced that he will retire from the national team after the FIFA World Cup 2026. He also indicated that the tournament could mark the end of his professional career as well.
Ochoa, who will be 41 during the World Cup, has already played in five World Cups and is also in contention for selection for a sixth, although no official confirmation has been made yet.
The Cyprus club AEL Limassol goalkeeper said in an interview that his farewell to the national team is certain and that full retirement is also a possibility.
“Retirement is definitely difficult, but in my case it will not be that hard, because I have enjoyed this sport for a long time,” Ochoa said. “There comes a time when your mind and body tell you that you have given everything, and then you leave with satisfaction — that is how it will be for me.”
Ochoa is among four Mexican players who have appeared in five World Cups. The others are Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez and Andrés Guardado.
If he plays in the 2026 World Cup, he will join the select group of players who have featured in six World Cups, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Recent reports suggest that Ochoa is being considered as a backup to young goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel. Meanwhile, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has left room in the squad for a goalkeeper who plays in a foreign league, with Ochoa seen as a leading contender.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
