Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo 'Memo' Ochoa could become the first player, along with Argentine Lionel Messi and Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, to play in six World Cups. Ochoa's chances have increased significantly after the starting goalkeeper of the 'Tricolor' squad, Ángel Malagón, suffered an Achilles tendon rupture, meaning he will miss the World Cup for at least six months. If he participates in the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 40-year-old Ochoa will be playing in his sixth edition of the most important national team competition and will share this record with the two best players of the 21st century. Ochoa's first World Cup appearance was in Germany in 2006, though he did not play any minutes in that edition or in South Africa in 2010. In Brazil in 2014, he had a very good performance, with memorable games like the 0-0 against Brazil in the group stage, although they were eliminated in the round of 16. In Russia in 2018, he also played an important role in his team reaching the round of 16, although they were again eliminated at that stage. His last participation was in Qatar 2022, and the Mexican national team's overall performance was very poor, and they were eliminated in the group stage.
