Mexico manager Javier Aguirre refused to say whether 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa would start in Wednesday’s group final against the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
He also rejected the idea that every decision would be made on sentimentality.
“Since my return, I have always said that whoever is here is here on their own strength,” Aguirre said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
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ESPN had reported that Ochoa would get the start of the match, which makes no sense in the standings for a Mexican side that has already secured top spot in Group A.
Ochoa made history by being named in his sixth World Cup squad but has yet to feature with Raul Rangel, starting in Mexico’s wins against South Africa and South Korea. If he plays, Ochoa would be playing in his fourth World Cup.
Ochoa is third on Mexico’s all-time list, with 153 caps, by far the most among El Tri goalkeepers. He has also announced that he will retire from football after the World Cup.
Published on June 24, 2026
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