MEXICO CITY — Guillermo Ochoa received an emotional farewell at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday as the veteran goalkeeper made his sixth World Cup appearance in Mexico’s 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
The 40-year-old entered the match in the 77th minute to thunderous applause from more than 80,000 fans, with chants of “Memo” echoing throughout the stadium in what could prove to be his final appearance for the national team.
“It’s the most beautiful thing that they recognize your effort,” Ochoa said after the match. “I always try to do it for them, to leave a mark. I think that today was a perfect closing.”
The moment carried special significance for Ochoa, who made his professional debut for Club América at Estadio Azteca in 2004 and has become one of Mexico’s most iconic players.
“I felt the affection in the stadium where I was born, the stadium where I grew up,” Ochoa said. “It came to me when I was in the stands and I said: I want to be on the field and I want to play here in this stadium.”
Ochoa joined Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to appear in six World Cup tournaments, although this was only his fourth World Cup featuring playing minutes after remaining on the bench in 2006 and 2010.
The goalkeeper became a global star during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, producing a memorable display against the hosts in a goalless draw that included a remarkable save to deny Neymar. He followed that with another outstanding performance against the Netherlands in the round of 16.
He also starred in Russia in 2018, including a clean sheet against defending champions Germany, before featuring at Qatar 2022, where Mexico suffered its first group-stage elimination since 1978.
Ochoa’s presence at the 2026 tournament was uncertain until an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón opened the door for the veteran’s inclusion.
“If they had asked me to make a script a couple of years ago, I don’t think it would have turned out better than it did tonight,” Ochoa said. “It was wonderful. It was perfect.”
After the final whistle, Mexico’s players lifted Ochoa into the air in celebration as supporters continued chanting his name.
“In the end, I think that is the most beautiful thing of all,” he said. “The affection of my teammates.”
Source: Saudi Gazette