Guillermo Ochoa plans emotional farewell after 2026 World Cup

Veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, has announced his intention to retire from professional football following the 2026 World Cup. This tournament will mark his sixth appearance on the global stage.

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The Mexican national team in my career and in my life has always been my compass. I don't understand my career without the national team. I don't know what my career would be without the national team, and now that the national team is over, I don't see any more meaning in football.

Ochoa, whose 41st birthday falls on July 13, expressed deep emotional ties to the Mexican national team, describing it as the "compass" of his career and life. "I don't understand my career without the national team. I don't know what my career would be without the national team, and now that the national team is over, I don't see any more meaning in football," he stated.

His sentiments were shared in a FIFA YouTube series titled 'Letters that unite,' which aims to showcase the human side of World Cup participants. In his episode, Ochoa reflected on his extensive journey with the national team, which he confirmed will conclude with the current World Cup. "I don't see any point in continuing to play without the national team. I have enjoyed every moment here. I have given my all, I have left everything. I leave in peace, with my head held high and very proud to have lived this," he said, his voice trembling and eyes glistening.

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I don't see any point in continuing to play without the national team. I have enjoyed every moment here. I have given my all, I have left everything. I leave in peace, with my head held high and very proud to have lived this.

Ochoa's national team career began in December 2005. He attended the 2006 and 2010 World Cups as a backup before becoming the undisputed starter in 2014. He has since remained a key figure in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. His extensive experience has also been invaluable to younger teammates, such as debutant Raúl Rangel. Beyond the World Cup, Ochoa has achieved significant success, including six Copa América titles and one CONCACAF Nations League championship. His club career has seen him play for América, where he became an idol, and also for teams in France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Cyprus.

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The fact of being here is thanks to the support and backing of my family, without them I would not have achieved it. This is something that from a young age you have to decide and sacrifice. There are many things that one misses. It's a spiral of 22 or 23 years, with little time for family.