Soccer is meaningless without Mexico: Ochoa eyes retired after the World Cup
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has strongly hinted that the 2026 World Cup could spell the end of his playing career, saying that once his journey with the national team is over, he no longer sees the point in football.
The 40-year-old, who is part of Mexico’s squad for the World Cup on home soil, starts for the sixth time at the men’s world championship, matching the record held by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Ochoa has previously hinted that the tournament will be his final chapter with El Tri, but his latest comments suggest a retirement from club football may not be far behind.
In an emotional interview with FIFA as part of the “Letters That Unite” series, Ochoa reflected on the central role the national team has played throughout his life and career.
“The Mexican national team has always been my compass in my career and life; it has given me direction,” Ochoa said. “I can’t understand my career without the national team. I don’t know what my career would be like without the national team. And now that my time with the national team is over, I don’t see any more point in football. I don’t see any more point in playing anymore.”
The veteran goalkeeper was visibly emotional during the interview and added that he will leave the national team with pride and peace.
“I enjoyed every moment there. I gave it my all. I’m leaving calm, with my head held high and proud to have experienced it,” he said.
Currently playing for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, Ochoa was an unused substitute in Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa, with Ral Rangel getting the nod in goal. While his role in the tournament may be different from previous years, Ochoa’s legacy as one of Mexico’s best goalkeepers is already certain.
He played in three World Cups as Mexico’s first-choice goalkeeper and put in memorable performances to help his country to a goalless draw with defending champions Brazil in 2014 and a famous victory over holders Germany at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
In addition to the World Cup, Ochoa was also part of the Mexican side that won the bronze medal at the postponed 2021 Tokyo Olympics, adding another major achievement to an international career spanning more than two decades.
Ahead of the tournament, Ochoa acknowledged the importance of one final World Cup campaign. In a message posted on X when he joined Mexico’s pre-tournament camp in May, he wrote: “Today starts my last training camp. I’ve experienced impossible nights, eternal stadiums, anthems that still shake me and moments that changed my life forever. And yet, every time Mexico calls me, something inside me starts anew.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 16, 2026 1:27 PM IST