Mexico, one of the hosts of this year’s World Cup, have announced a 26-member squad. The biggest surprise is goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The 40-year-old has made the squad for a sixth time, joining Messi and Ronaldo, who will set the record of playing six World Cups with this edition.
Ochoa first earned a national-team call-up at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and his several memorable World Cup displays since became one of the most talked-about chapters of Mexican football history. Although he has not played regularly for the national team recently, his experience and leadership earned him a place in coach Javier Aguirre’s plans.
Edson Álvarez will captain Mexico at the World Cup; the experienced midfielder spent last season on loan at Fenerbahçe from West Ham. Aguirre also included Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez in the 26.
Alongside the experienced players, several youngsters were included. Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora is set to be the country’s youngest player at the tournament, while 23-year-old Armando González also earned a place.
It will be Aguirre’s third World Cup as Mexico coach, having also led the side in 2002 and 2010. The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. Mexico last hosted in 1986, reaching the quarter-finals, and will aim to match that this time. Before the World Cup, Mexico play a final warm-up against Serbia on Thursday, then begin their campaign against South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca on June 11.
Mexico’s World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Raúl Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna).
Defenders: Jorge Sánchez (PAOK), Israel Reyes (Club América), César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chávez (AZ).
Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens), Álvaro Fidalgo, Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutiérrez, Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Edson Álvarez (West Ham), Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora.
Forwards: César Huerta (Anderlecht), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah), Guillermo Martínez (UNAM), Armando González (Guadalajara), Santiago Giménez (AC Milan), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham).
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