Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 2nd June 2026, 4:23 PM
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is set to make history by featuring in a sixth FIFA World Cup, a milestone no other Mexican player has previously achieved. The 40-year-old has been included in the 26-man squad announced on Sunday by head coach Javier Aguirre.
Ochoa made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006 and has remained part of Mexico’s international setup across multiple tournament cycles. Although his involvement with the national team has reduced in recent years, Aguirre has retained him in the squad, placing emphasis on his experience alongside emerging talent.
The squad selection reflects a balance between experienced international players and younger prospects. Captain Edson Álvarez and striker Raúl Jiménez are expected to provide leadership and attacking strength. At the same time, several younger players have been included as part of the team’s long-term development approach.
Among the emerging names is 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, who is set to become the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup finals. The squad also includes dual nationals raised in the United States, Obed Vargas and Brian Gutiérrez, both of whom add to the youthful contingent.
Further diversity in the squad is represented by Álvaro Fidalgo, a midfielder born in Spain, and forward Julián Quiñones, born in Colombia. Both players have acquired Mexican nationality and have become regular members of the national team.
Mexico previously hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1986, reaching the quarter-finals on home soil. The country is once again involved in hosting duties, this time jointly with the United States and Canada, for the tournament scheduled from 11 June to 19 July.
Head coach Javier Aguirre previously led Mexico in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, making this his third appointment at the tournament as national team manager.
Ahead of the World Cup, Mexico are scheduled to play a warm-up fixture against Serbia on Thursday. Their tournament campaign will begin on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca, where they will face South Africa in their opening match.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Raúl Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo |
| Defenders | Jorge Sánchez, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Mateo Chávez |
| Midfielders | Érick Lira, Orbelín Pineda, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez, Luis Romo, Edson Álvarez, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, Luis Chávez |
| Forwards | Roberto Alvarado, César Huerta, Alexis Vega, Julián Quiñones, Guillermo Martínez, Armando González, Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jiménez |
The squad composition highlights a blend of experienced internationals and developing players, with Ochoa’s selection marking a potentially historic sixth World Cup appearance.
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