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Why Guillermo Ochoa is not playing for Mexico tonight, and what history he's making at World Cup
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- Why Guillermo Ochoa is not playing for Mexico tonight, and what history he's making at World Cup
Why Guillermo Ochoa is not playing for Mexico tonight, and what history he's making at World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Guillermo Ochoa is one of the most well-known Mexican footballers of all time.
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And on Wednesday night, he's expected to start in goal for Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Czechia.
It's a history-making occasion for Ochoa, but it's also a new opportunity, because he hasn't yet played at this World Cup through two group matches.
UPDATE: This has been updated to reflect that Ochoa didn't get the start after he was supposed to.
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Why is Guillermo Ochoa not playing tonight?
This was written before news that Ochoa is actually on the bench:
In essence, it's because Mexico has nothing to play for.
Raul Rangel is the new No. 1 keeper, but he is sitting because Mexico has already clinched the top spot in Group A.
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By sitting Rangel, the Mexican squad prevents him from getting hurt. But it also gives Ochoa an awesome opportunity.
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What history could Memo Ochoa have made?
This was written before news that Ochoa was on the bench:
He's going to be appearing in his sixth World Cup. That ties the all-time record.
It's a mark that was just set earlier in this tournament by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, Ochoa joins them.
Ochoa's signature hair and impressive leadership skills have allowed him to be relevant to the Mexican national team for two decades.
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In some ways, Wednesday night could be his final chapter.
