The dispute over ownership of the Mexican National Team's goal continues to generate debate a few days before the debut in the 2026 World Cup. However, two authoritative voices in national football, Francisco Javier “Maza” Rodríguez and Óscar “Conejo” Pérez, are clear about who should guard the Tricolor goal against South Africa: Raúl Rangel.

The former national teams agreed that the Guadalajara goalkeeper is going through the best moment of his career and has the necessary arguments to prevail in the internal competition over the experienced Guillermo Ochoa, who was called up to play in his sixth World Cup.

Maza Rodríguez bets on Raúl Rangel as a starter

The former defender of the Mexican National Team, a three-time World Cup winner, assured that the goal will be one of the most important decisions for Javier Aguirre, although he considers that Rangel has an advantage.

"I see a very solid defensive line and a very intense battle in the goal; I think Rangel should be the one to start, although we can expect some surprises. Javier has that plus, suddenly he trains with some and on game day he puts in others," said Rodríguez.

In addition to supporting the red and white goalkeeper, the former defender highlighted the defensive strength of the national team heading into the start of the World Cup tournament.

Conejo Pérez supports the candidacy of Raúl Rangel

For his part, Óscar “Conejo” Pérez, who defended the Mexican goal in three World Cups, agreed with Maza's analysis and assured that the Chivas goalkeeper has shown the necessary consistency to keep the position.

"There has been a lot of talk about the goalkeepers. Anyone who starts the goal will be safe, although I think Rangel has done very well, Javier supports him, so I think he can start. Javier is a very exact guy in the details," Pérez noted.

The historic goalkeeper made it clear that his position does not minimize the quality of the other candidates, since he considers that there is a very even level between the three goalkeepers called up.

Ochoa, Rangel and Acevedo: a close competition in El Tri

Although he showed a preference for Raúl Rangel, Conejo Pérez highlighted that both Guillermo Ochoa and Carlos Acevedo have the necessary conditions to respond if they are chosen by the coaching staff.

“I like the three goalkeepers, but Rangel has had great consistency with Guadalajara, that's why I think he can be there,” he stressed.

The final decision will be in the hands of Javier Aguirre, who has maintained suspense regarding the lineup he will use in the World Cup premiere.

Johan Vázquez receives praise heading into the World Cup

Beyond the debate in goal, Maza Rodríguez also highlighted the growth of Johan Vázquez, who has established himself as one of the main Mexican figures in Europe thanks to his performance with Genoa of Italy.

"I really like the centre-backs. I highlight what Johan has shown, who is doing things very well in Italian football, I hope his performances are enough for him to jump to a bigger team; I think he can be the benchmark for Mexican football," 'Maza' pointed out.

The defender's actions have caused many to consider him as the leader of the new generation of the Tricolor.

Maza Rodríguez trusts in a good start for Mexico against South Africa

The former PSV Eindhoven player acknowledged that there is enthusiasm among fans for the debut of the national team and expressed his confidence in the squad chosen by Javier Aguirre.

"I am happy with this team and eager to see them. This team is the best that Javier Aguirre chose, they have a lot of quality and there is nothing better than competing here with their people; we are going to support them with everything. Mexico must start winning and I hope they do what we couldn't," he said.

The Mexican National Team will face its first World Cup match next Thursday against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, where it will seek to begin its path in the highest soccer competition with a victory.