mexico city — Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa announced on Thursday that he will retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup finals, and that the tournament may also mark the end of his football career.
Ochoa, who will turn 41 during the World Cup, has appeared in the previous five editions and is expected to be called up for the sixth edition, although his place in the list has not been officially confirmed.
The goalkeeper, who plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, said in an interview with TUDN that his departure from the national team is certain and that his full retirement “may also be on the table.”
ARCHIVO – Mexican arch Guillermo Ochoa during the training of the former national team of Portugal, on March 26, 2026, in Mexico City.
AP Photo/Marco Ugarte
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre announced a partial roster that includes two goalkeepers from Liga MX and left a spot open for a third who plays abroad. Although his name was not mentioned, Ochoa is the only one who has been called up for the recent matches.
Ochoa told the network: “Retirement is undoubtedly difficult, but in my case it will not be that difficult because I have enjoyed it for many years, for a long time.” “There will come a moment when your mind and body say: I gave it your all, and you leave in peace, and that will be my condition.”
Ochoa is currently one of four Mexicans to have appeared in five World Cup finals, along with Antonio Carvajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andres Guardado.
Ochoa could join Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in making a sixth World Cup appearance.
Ochoa has been the starter in the past three World Cups. At the moment, he appears to be considered as a replacement for Raul “Tala” Rangel.
Mexico organizes the tournament jointly with the United States and Canada.
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