The Mexican National Team faces its final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup this Wednesday, June 24, taking on Czechia at Mexico City Stadium. Although the squad led by Javier Aguirre has already secured a spot in the Round of 32 after winning its first two matches, the possibility of seeing Guillermo Ochoa in the starting lineup has sparked conversation.
The experienced 40-year-old goalkeeper has not seen action in the opening World Cup matches, as Tala Rangel has established himself as the team’s starting goalkeeper. However, for Ricardo Ferretti—one of the most successful coaches in Liga MX history—this scenario presents an ideal opportunity for Ochoa to get some competitive playing time.
During a broadcast of ESPN’s *Futbol Picante*, the coach expressed that letting the goalkeeper play could benefit the Mexican National Team heading into the next round.
“To me, it doesn’t seem like too much of a stretch. He has experience. And—God forbid—if Tala were to suffer an injury, Ochoa would have to step in without having played a single minute. So, honestly, I see it as a positive thing for him to come in and play. We know Tala is the starter. But if something happens—and we’ve seen issues with goalkeepers before—a substitution becomes necessary. How long has it been since Ochoa played a match? I think right now would be the ideal time,” Ferretti noted on ESPN’s *Futbol Picante*.
The comments from “Tuca” come at a time when Mexico is enjoying a strong run in the tournament. The national team began its campaign with positive results, allowing them to clinch qualification before playing their third Group A match.
