Guillermo Ochoa does not lose hope of playing in the 2026 World Cup
“Memo” acknowledged that he accepts his role within the Mexican team. But Guillermo Ochoa reveals that he is ready to play
For the first time since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Mexican team has a new piece in its bow. Raúl Rangel made his World Cup debut with a 2-0 victory against South Africa. Guillermo Ochoa was left on the bench. “Memo” does not lose hope of playing.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper acknowledged that he is comfortable with his new role within El Tri. “Memo” was aware that Raúl Rangel would be the starting goalkeeper. Times have changed and Ochoa is not the same one who debuted at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
"It's part of life, we're getting older and it's a natural thing in football and anywhere and I assume it normally. They are different stages, in the other World Cups, I was at a different time, playing at another time at a different age," said the AEL Limassol goalkeeper.
Despite this, Guillermo Ochoa becomes the first footballer, at least chronologically, to compete in six World Cups. Ochoa has been in the El Tri squad since Germany 2006. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will match him in the coming days. The name “Memo” is already part of FIFA history.
"Proud of this because it speaks of many things behind it. There are 6 World Cups, and if you multiply it by each one, there are many years of career, perseverance, discipline, resilience, absence, loneliness during moments that are difficult. So, they have been a very nostalgic few weeks that have made me remember the beautiful moments that I have been able to experience and contribute to the national team, and I am very happy that a Mexican is on this list," he acknowledged.
Guillermo Ochoa is ready to play
Although Raúl Rangel is the starting goalkeeper of the Mexican team, Guillermo Ochoa acknowledged that he is ready to jump into the field. “Memo” was not just a trip to the World Cup. The former Águilas del América goalkeeper hopes to see minutes.
“Yes, of course, since we are all ready to play, we have prepared and worked to be at the coach's disposal, and any of the 26 can play and prepares us for that,” he concluded.