Ochoa Makes History with Sixth World Cup Call-Up for Mexico

Mexico have announced their squad for the World Cup, with 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa included in the roster. It will be Ochoa’s sixth World Cup appearance, making him one of the first players in history, alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, to participate in six FIFA World Cups.

Ochoa first earned a call-up to the Mexican national team in 2005. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, he served as Mexico’s backup goalkeeper.

He was selected again for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where he once more played the role of reserve goalkeeper.

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Ochoa finally made his World Cup debut. He rose to international prominence with a standout performance against the host nation, Brazil, earning the Man of the Match award. He was also named Man of the Match in Mexico’s Round of 16 clash against the Netherlands thanks to another exceptional display.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Ochoa made 27 saves across four matches, helping Mexico keep a clean sheet against Germany and reach the Round of 16 once again.

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Ochoa made his fifth World Cup appearance. In Mexico’s opening match against Poland, he saved a penalty from Robert Lewandowski and was named Man of the Match. However, Mexico were eliminated in the group stage.

Ochoa has made 153 appearances for Mexico, ranking third on the nation's all-time appearances list. At the World Cup, he has played 11 matches, won the Man of the Match award three times, and kept four clean sheets.