Story by
World Cup 2026: Is Guillermo Ochoa Playing for Mexico vs. South Africa?
- Story by
- World Cup 2026: Is Guillermo Ochoa Playing for Mexico vs. South Africa?
Mexico will play in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against South Africa , and one player who can make history today is legendary goalkeeper Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa.
Ochoa has been called up for the past five World Cups with Mexico and will make history this summer alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to be the only players to feature in six World Cup squads.
Advertisement
Ochoa is highly praised for his trajectory in Mexican football for many years, but showcased his talents worldwide with his impressive performances in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups.
This 2026 World Cup is different from the previous World Cups he has been called up for, as he is no longer seen as the first-choice goalkeeper of the national team, with Chivas de Guadalajara keeper Raul "Tala" Rangel being played often in recent friendly matches.
Despite Rangel's high playing time with the Mexican national team , Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre insisted that Ochoa and other players have a chance at starting for any game during the World Cup.
Advertisement
Will Guillermo Ochoa Start vs. South Africa?
Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico looks on during a training session ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Centro de Alto Rendimiento.Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
Ochoa is likely not starting the match, with Raul "Tala" Rangel keeping his starting position. This will be Rangel's first World Cup for Mexico after a great season with Chivas in the previous two Liga MX seasons.
RELATED: Why Is Edson Alvarez Not Playing vs. South Africa?
Ochoa is regarded as the second-choice goalkeeper in the Mexican national team for the 2026 World Cup, ahead of the third-choice goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo .
Advertisement
Mexican fans can expect that Ochoa will get minutes at this World Cup, also depending on how the games go in the group stage. Ochoa is fit and available to play against South Africa in case of an injury to Rangel.
Related: Mexico Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 - Key Players, Coach, Captain & Predicted Lineups
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
