Ochoa becomes the first player in history to participate in six World Cups
Guillermo Ochoa wrote another chapter of his career with the Mexican national team this Thursday (11). At 40 years old, the goalkeeper became the first player in history to participate in six World Cup editions, when he was selected for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against South Africa.
Although he started the duel on the bench, his mere presence on Mexico's official list guaranteed the veteran the unprecedented milestone. Ochoa was called up for the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
The goalkeeper's career in the World Cup began in Germany, in 2006, when he was Oswaldo Sánchez's backup. Four years later, in South Africa, he was again on the bench, this time as Óscar Pérez's substitute.
The leading role came in the 2014 World Cup, held in Brazil. A member of the Mexican national team, Ochoa played in all four of the team's matches and gained international prominence for his performances against the Brazilian team, in the group stage, and the Netherlands, in the round of 16. In both matches, he was named the best player on the field.
The goalkeeper maintained his starting status in Russia, in 2018, when he played in Mexico's four games, and also in Qatar, in 2022. In that tournament, he was present in the team's three matches and again received the award for best player of the match after saving a penalty against Poland.
In total, Ochoa has 11 World Cup appearances and three individual man of the match awards, consolidating himself as one of the main names in the history of the Mexican national team.
The milestone reached in 2026 could gain company in the coming days. Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine Lionel Messi were also called up for the World Cup and could equal the record for participation, with the addition of having taken to the field in all editions.
Even without starting on his debut, Ochoa definitely enters the history of the competition as the first athlete to reach the mark of six World Cups played throughout his career.
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Source: CNN