Guillermo Ochoa is set to make history as he prepares to feature in a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup, after being named in Mexico’s squad for the upcoming tournament.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who currently plays for Cypriot club AEL Limassol, would become the first goalkeeper ever to appear in six World Cup editions if he takes part in the competition.
Ochoa’s World Cup journey began in 2006 in Germany, and he has since become one of Mexico’s most experienced international players. However, unlike global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who remain central figures for their national teams, Ochoa is expected to play a more limited role after dropping down the pecking order in recent years.
The squad, led by head coach Javier Aguirre, also includes experienced forwards Raúl Jiménez and Santiago Giménez, who play for Fulham and AC Milan respectively.
Two naturalised players, Spain-born Álvaro Fidalgo and Colombia-born Julián Quiñones, also feature prominently in the squad, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora is set to become the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a World Cup.
For Aguirre, 67, this will be his third stint as Mexico’s World Cup coach, having previously led the team in 2002 and 2010, where they were eliminated at the group stage on both occasions.
Mexico will co-host the tournament with the United States and Canada and will begin their campaign on June 11 against South Africa in Mexico City. They will also face South Korea on June 18 and the Czech Republic on June 24 in the group stage.