Mexico goalie Ochoa becomes first goalkeeper to feature in six FIFA World Cups
Mexico City, June 25
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa became only the third player after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and the first-ever goalkeeper to feature in six FIFA World Cup squads.
Ochoa made history when he took to the field as a substitute for his side's final league stage game against Czechia in Mexico City on Wednesday. He, along with Messi and Ronaldo, has featured in every FIFA World Cup edition since 2006.
Ochoa has now been part of Mexico's World Cup squads across six editions: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. While he did not feature in any matches in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments, he went on to establish himself as a key figure in later editions, cementing his legacy as one of Mexico's most enduring players on the global stage.
Ochoa made history when he took to the field as a substitute for his side's final league stage game against Czechia in Mexico City on Wednesday. He, along with Messi and Ronaldo, has featured in every FIFA World Cup edition since 2006.
Coming to the match, Mexico completed a dominant FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, securing three wins from three matches and finishing top of Group A. Already qualified for the Round of 32, the hosts played with confidence and took control in the second half after a goalless opening period.
Mateo Chavez opened the scoring early in the second half with a composed finish after breaking through the Czech defence, before Julian Quinones doubled the lead shortly after from close range. Ochoa was introduced late in the game, marking another milestone in his glittering World Cup career.
Mexico sealed the victory in stoppage time through Alvaro Fidalgo to complete a 3-0 win and maintain their perfect group-stage record. The result confirmed Mexico's top-place finish and momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is remarkable consistency. But let's not forget that Messi and Ronaldo achieved this as outfield players which is even harder given the physical demands. Still, huge respect for Ochoa! 🧤
As a goalkeeper myself, this is incredible. Ochoa proved that Latin American football has world-class keepers too. India needs to learn from countries like Mexico how to develop keepers who can last for decades.
Yaar, 2006 to 2026? That's 20 years at the top level. But honestly, some of those early tournaments he was just a backup keeper. Still, being selected for six squads shows incredible longevity. Well deserved!
Ochoa was the star of the 2014 World Cup with those saves against Brazil. He single-handedly kept Mexico in that tournament. It's fitting he now holds this unique record. Indian football needs goalies with that kind of presence.
And Mexico topped their group too! Ochoa coming on as a substitute to get his 6th World Cup appearance was a classy move by the coach. India should aim to even qualify for one World Cup first. Baby steps. 😅
People don't realize how
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