Mexico Legend Ochoa Confirms Retirement Plan After 2026 World Cup

Mexico Icon Guillermo Ochoa to retire after sixth World Cup appearance

The 40-year-old goalkeeper could join Messi and Ronaldo as one of the few players to feature at six World Cups before calling time on his 22-year career.

Javier Aguirre names his final squad June 1. Ochoa will compete with Tala Rangel for the starting spot in what will be his final tournament...

Guillermo Ochoa, one of Mexican football’s most iconic goalkeepers, will retire immediately after the World Cup, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

  

“Memo Ochoa will play his sixth World Cup representing Mexico, as the legendary goalkeeper will be part of the squad,” Romano wrote.

 

“Ochoa will retire from professional football immediately after, leaving his club and the national team,” added Romano, who specialises in transfer news, on X.

 

Ochoa seemed to confirm the news himself by reposting Romano’s message.

The World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, will be a landmark moment for the 40-year-old. He could become one of the few players in history, alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, to appear at six World Cups.

Ochoa first represented Mexico at Germany 2006 and played at South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, where he famously saved a penalty from Poland’s Robert Lewandowski.

 

Across a 22-year club career, Ochoa has played in France, Spain, Belgium, Italy and Portugal. He currently plays for AEL Limassol in the Cypriot First Division.

“It could be the end for me after the World Cup. It's hard, without a doubt, but I don't think it'll be that hard for me to say goodbye,“ Ochoa told Mexican outlet TUDN on Monday.

“You reach a point when your head and your body tell you that you've given it your all, and you can leave with a clear ‌conscience,” he added.

  

🚨🇲🇽 Memo Ochoa will play his 6th World Cup representing Mexico as the legendary goalkeeper will make the squad.

Ochoa will then retire from professional football right after, leaving club and national team. 👋🏼 pic.twitter.com/fnJX2B3O6s

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 30, 2026

Coach Javier Aguirre will name his final squad on June 1. It’s unclear whether Ochoa’s experience will see him start for Mexico, or if younger keeper Tala Rangel will get the nod.

Either way, Ochoa is expected to be one of the team’s captains.

  

The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.