Ochoa retires in tears at the Azteca as 10-man England stun Mexico 3-2 at World Cup

Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa brought the curtain down on a 23-year international career in emotional scenes at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, confirming his retirement with immediate effect after Mexico were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by a 3-2 defeat to England in the last 16.

Ochoa, who turns 41 on 13 July, had announced before the tournament that he would retire once Mexico’s participation ended. True to his word, he was hoisted into the air by team-mates after the final whistle and said farewell to supporters alongside his family, visibly fighting back tears on the bench as the result was confirmed.

“My first game, Azteca. My last game, Azteca,” Ochoa told reporters. “It’s been a beautiful final chapter of my career. Thank you, everyone.”

The veteran goalkeeper finishes with 153 Mexico caps — 12 of them at World Cup finals — and appearances at six tournaments stretching back to Germany 2006. He made over 425 club appearances for Club América across two spells and also played in Europe for AC Ajaccio, Málaga, Granada, Standard Liège, Salernitana, AVS, and AEL Limassol.

Ochoa had lost his starting place to Raúl Rangel for this tournament but remained an influential presence in Javier Aguirre’s squad. He was given a farewell cameo in Mexico’s final group-stage fixture against Czechia, coming off the bench in the 77th minute of a 3-0 win after the co-hosts had already secured top spot in their group.

England’s victory was built in extraordinary circumstances. Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame thunderstorms, an altitude of over 7,000 feet above sea level, and a red card for Jarell Quansah that left them with 10 men for most of the second half. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession in the first half before Julián Quiñones pulled one back for Mexico on 42 minutes. Harry Kane then converted from the penalty spot to restore England’s two-goal advantage, and despite late Mexican pressure the Three Lions held on to advance.

For England, the win sparked jubilant scenes as pockets of white-shirted supporters inside the Azteca celebrated. For Ochoa and Mexico, it was a poignant goodbye — the end of a career that made him one of the most recognisable goalkeepers in the history of the CONCACAF region.