Guillermo Ochoa, the 40-year-old goalkeeper, has joined his final training camp with the Mexican national team, closing in on a likely sixth World Cup appearance next month. He is expected to be named in coach Javier Aguirre's squad for the tournament, which Mexico co-hosts with the United States and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Ochoa wrote on social media, “Putting this shirt on again was never routine … it was a privilege. Today begins my last training camp. But this time I see it differently. With a fuller heart, more scars, more memories, and the same excitement as the child who once dreamed of defending this badge.”
He joins the elite company of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the few players to appear at six World Cups, having played in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Ochoa hinted this tournament could mark the end of his career, telling TUDN last month, “It could be the end for me after the World Cup.”
Currently with AEL Limassol in Cyprus, Ochoa has over 150 caps for Mexico and is renowned for his standout World Cup performances, including a series of saves against Brazil in 2014 and a penalty stop against Poland's Robert Lewandowski in 2022.
Mexico will play friendlies against Ghana on May 22, Australia on May 30, and Serbia on June 4 before opening the World Cup against South Africa in Group A on June 11.