Memo Ochoa clings to the 2026 World Cup with a great three-point play for AEL Limassol
Guillermo Ochoa started 2026 on the right foot by being a decisive factor in AEL Limassol's victory as the Cypriot football tournament restarted
Guillermo Ochoa doesn't want to give up on seeking a place on the list for the 2026 World Cup that will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada, by shining this Saturday with a save that allowed its team, AEL Limassol, to add three valuable points in the restart of Cypriot football.
Ochoa, disregarding the criticism and comments against him that his age works against him, maintained his condition at 40 years old, allowing him to sneak into the World Cup squad against all odds, taking advantage of the fact that Luis Malagon, Raul “Tala” Rangel, and Carlos Acevedo have had many ups and downs and do not inspire confidence within the Mexican national team.
The goalkeeper, a five-time World Cup veteran, had a lucky streak upon his return from Christmas holidays, keeping a clean sheet and allowing AEL Limassol to take a 1-0 victory against Ethnikos Achnas in matchday 16 of the Cypriot league.
Ochoa had a spectacular start to 2026 with the clear objective of trying to be a key player in the 2026 World Cup and being able to retire in style at the tournament on Mexican soil, where he has often not been valued at his true level as a national team player.
The only goal of the match was scored by Sweden's Zakaria Sawo in the 70th minute, which had to be reviewed by VAR, taking a few minutes to be validated, but ultimately proved enough for AEL Limassol's victory.
With this victory, AEL Limassol reached 24 points and moved into seventh place in the Cypriot League, returning to winning ways after a draw and a defeat at the end of 2025. The Mexican goalkeeper demonstrated his undisputed starting position for AEL Limassol by completing his 13th match as a starter. Now we will have to wait and see if Javier Aguirre calls up Ochoa for the March FIFA window, which will be the last opportunity to call up players from Europe to face Portugal and Belgium. The first match will be at the reopening of Estadio Azteca, and the second in Chicago, USA. Ochoa will look to stay in shape to remain on the radar of the Mexican national team's coaching staff,and this can only be achieved with good performances for his club.