Overview
- Guillermo 'Memo' Ochoa publicly said he will retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in an emotional FIFA 'Letters That Unite' interview where he read a message from his daughter.
- Ochoa told FIFA that the Mexico national team has been the compass of his career and that, with his international time ending, he no longer sees meaning in continuing to play professionally.
- The 40-year-old is part of Mexico’s squad for a sixth men’s World Cup—a milestone shared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—and has earned 152 caps and multiple CONCACAF Gold Cup titles.
- Ochoa was recalled to the national team in May 2026 because of injuries to other goalkeepers and was an unused substitute in Mexico’s 2-0 opening win over South Africa, leaving it unclear whether he will get another chance to play.
- Whatever his playing future, Ochoa’s career is defined by signature World Cup moments—notably his 2014 display against Brazil, his role in Mexico’s 2018 win over Germany, and key saves in 2022—and Mexico now faces a planned goalkeeping transition to younger players such as Raúl Rangel.