Countdown to 2026 FIFA World Cup: Mexico and Ochoa last dance
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By Enitan Abdultawab
For many football fans, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa shows up every World Cup year and disappears for the next four years, or till the next edition. Also, for many football fans outside Mexico, the nation is largely remembered for the heroics of Ochoa every four years.
However, a World Cup edition is them. This time, Mexico will be co-hosting the tournament together with the United States of America and Canada. The Mexican city will host matches in three stadia in three cities namely Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.
The team is not new in and to the World Cup. A constant presence at the tournament: Mexico has played host to the tournament, following 1970 and 1986 edition, meaning El Tri have hosted the event more times than any other country. This will be the nation’s 18th World Cup, with their previous best performances coming on home soil, as they reached the quarter-finals in both ’70 and ’86.
Having been drawn in the same group as South Africa, Korea Republic and Czech Republic, the El Tri will be hoping to give South Africa a taste of their own medicine. The host faced the African team in the first matchday back in 2010 and battled to an equaliser as fans of South Africa treated them to a frenzied atmosphere. Coincidentally, both nations will be opening the tournament again.
This year, long-time coach Javier Aguirre must attempt to mix Mexico’s nearly unparalleled experience, which includes some promising young players who represent the next generation, with their great World Cup home and away uniforms.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, and forward Raul Jimenez, 34, who both achieved 100 caps a few years ago, were part of Aguirre’s side for the March friendly against Portugal and Belgium, and will lead the squad. Then, a couple of young players such as Obed Vargas of Athletico Madrid might be a revelation.
Players to watch
Raul Jimenez (Fulham, 34)
Raul Jimenez is Fulham’s first-choice striker with nine goals and three assists in 35 games. Recently, he lost his father and he has promised that he would dedicate goals in the World Cup to his late father.
If putting the ball in the back of the net is the hardest thing to accomplish in football, Raul Jimenez is one of the best at it. He’s still going strong at 34, and no one on Mexico’s World Cup team can match his 44 international goals, despite younger competitors.
The Fulham striker was chosen for the March friendlies against Portugal and Belgium. The seasoned frontman will be hard to unseat after the Cottagers’ excellent campaign.
Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limasso, 40)
Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, a 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper was recalled to the Mexican national team by Javier Aguirre for the March friendlies that took place against Portugal and Belgium. Fans were excited about his return since Ochoa wants to compete in his sixth World Cup after featuring in the competition in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. However, the question remains the same: will Ochoa get minutes or not?
Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid, 20)
Obed Vargas took a major step forward after leaving the Seattle Sounders to join Atletico Madrid.
While several LaLiga clubs had expressed interest in a potential loan move, Atlético planned to keep the 20-year-old midfielder in Madrid, where he joined the first team. Although his minutes have been scarce, he is definitely integrating well as a midfielder and he is a joy to watch.
Fixtures
June 11, 2026: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
June 18, 2026: Mexico vs South Korea, Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico
June 24, 2026: Czechia vs Mexico, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
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