Ochoa named in Mexico's World Cup squad to join Messi and Ronaldo in six-tournament history

Guillermo Ochoa will become one of only three players in history to appear at six World Cups after the 40-year-old goalkeeper was named in Javier Aguirre’s Mexico squad for this summer’s tournament, joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in achieving a feat never previously accomplished.

Ochoa, currently without a club after his contract at AEL Limassol expired, first represented Mexico at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. His place in the 26-man selection is primarily to provide experience, with his appearances for the national side having been limited in recent years.

The goalkeeper’s reputation was cemented at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he produced two man-of-the-match performances as Mexico reached the last 16. His most celebrated moment came in a 0-0 group-stage draw against host nation Brazil in Fortaleza, where a superb stop to deny a powerful Neymar header drew comparisons to Gordon Banks’ iconic save against Pelé at the 1970 World Cup.

Aguirre’s squad balances experience with emerging talent. Captain Edson Alvarez and striker Raul Jimenez bring significant World Cup pedigree, while 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora — a product of Guadalajara — is set to become Mexico’s youngest ever World Cup participant. Forward Armando Gonzalez also features among the younger prospects included.

The roster is further broadened by US-developed dual nationals Obed Vargas and Brian Gutierrez, as well as naturalised players Alvaro Fidalgo, a Spain-born midfielder, and Colombia-born forward Julian Quinones, both now established in the national setup.

Mexico co-host this year’s tournament alongside the United States and Canada. The side last reached the quarter-finals when they hosted the competition in 1986. Aguirre, who previously managed the national team in 2002 and 2010, takes charge for a third time.

Mexico will face Serbia in a warm-up match on Thursday before opening their World Cup campaign against South Africa at Estadio Azteca on 11 June.