Ángel Malagón’s torn Achilles could open the door for veteran keeper Guillermo Ochoa to start at a sixth World Cup this summer
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could be set for yet another remarkable chapter in his international career after a serious injury to Mexico’s expected No.1.
Ángel Malagón had widely been tipped to start for Mexico national football team at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
However, the goalkeeper has suffered a torn Achilles tendon that will rule him out of the tournament, dramatically changing the picture for Mexico’s goalkeeping position.
The setback now potentially clears the path for Ochoa – one of the most recognisable figures in Mexican football history – to reclaim the starting role on the world’s biggest stage.
Few players are as synonymous with the World Cup as Ochoa, who has built a reputation for producing standout performances during international tournaments.
Where does Ochoa currently play?
Ochoa currently plays for AEL Limassol in the Cypriot First Division. The experienced goalkeeper joined the club last summer after leaving AVS in Portugal.
His side are currently seventh in the league standings and are no longer in contention for the domestic title. Despite that, Ochoa has remained a regular presence between the posts and continues to play a key role for the team.
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How many World Cups has Guillermo Ochoa played?
Ochoa has already been included in the final squad for five World Cups – a remarkable achievement shared with only a handful of players in football history.
Those players include Lothar Matthäus, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianluigi Buffon, as well as compatriots Antonio Carbajal, Andrés Guardado and Rafael Márquez.
Only Ochoa, Messi and Ronaldo remain active players with the opportunity to be named in a sixth World Cup squad – a milestone that would further cement their legendary status in the game.
How old is Guillermo Ochoa?
Ochoa was born on 13 July 1985, meaning he is currently 40 years old. Should he feature at the tournament, he will turn 41 during the competition.
That longevity would make his potential appearance even more extraordinary.
Guillermo Ochoa stats
During the 2025/26 season with AEL Limassol, Ochoa has made 23 appearances across all competitions. In those matches he has kept six clean sheets while conceding 33 goals, missing only three games throughout the campaign.
With Mexico suddenly facing a major goalkeeping dilemma, the experienced shot-stopper could once again be called upon when it matters most.