SOCCER: Ochoa set for sixth World Cup as Mexico name squad

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is set to make history as the first Mexican player to feature in six World Cups. The 40-year-old veteran was officially named to manager Javier Aguirre’s 26-man squad on Sunday.

Ochoa, who made his World Cup debut in Germany back in 2006, has seen limited action for El Tri in recent years. However, his veteran leadership was deemed essential by Aguirre, who has crafted a roster balancing seasoned experience with emerging youth.

A Mix of Veteran Leadership and Youthful Talent

Joining Ochoa to provide veteran stability are team captain Edson Álvarez and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez.

Concurrently, Aguirre has opened the door for Mexico's next generation. The squad features rising talents like Guadalajara forward Armando González and teenage sensation Gilberto Mora. At just 17 years old, Mora is on track to become the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a World Cup.

The roster also reflects a modern, diverse approach to recruitment:

U.S.-Developed Dual Nationals: Midfielders Obed Vargas and Brian Gutiérrez have both earned spots.

Naturalized Citizens: Spain-born midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo and Colombia-born forward Julián Quiñones have been included after becoming mainstays in the national team setup.

Eyes on the Prize

Mexico is co-hosting the prestigious tournament alongside the United States and Canada. El Tri will look to replicate or surpass their historic 1986 run, the last time they hosted the tournament, where they reached the quarterfinals.

This will also mark a personal milestone for Javier Aguirre, who is stepping up to lead the national team at a World Cup for the third time, following his previous managerial stints in 2002 and 2010.

Mexico will play a final warm-up match against Serbia on Thursday. They will then kick off their World Cup campaign against South Africa in the tournament opener at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11.

Mexico’s Official 26-Man World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Raúl Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo.

Defenders: Jorge Sánchez, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Mateo Chávez.

Midfielders: Erik Lira, Orbelín Pineda, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez, Luis Romo, Edson Álvarez, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, Luis Chávez.

Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, César Huerta, Alexis Vega, Julián Quiñones, Guillermo Martínez, Armando González, Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jiménez.

-Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters