Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, one of the most emblematic players in the history of the Mexican National Team, continues to generate debate in the middle of 2025. At 40 years of age, the Mexican goalkeeper is trying to stay alive in order to reach his sixth World Cup, something that would place him in a historic group alongside other legends such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, while the presence of Messi and CR7 in 2026 looks solid -both continue to be starters and referents of their national teams-, Memo Ochoa’s future does not seem so clear.
Since his arrival at AEL Limassol in the Cyprus First Division, the goalkeeper has faced a complicated sporting panorama. His team is in the mid-low zone of the table, far from European positions and with an irregular performance that has put in doubt the goalkeeper’s continuity at the highest competitive level.
El Perro Bermudez unleashes controversy
Historic Mexican broadcaster Enrique “El Perro” Bermudez, who returned from retirement to cover the 2026 World Cup, stoked the fire with a statement that quickly went viral.
During a talk on “Faitelson Sin Censura,” Bermúdez assured that Memo Ochoa will be on the World Cup roster.
“Even though he plays in the Xochimilco league,” pointing out that there would be commercial interests surrounding the goalkeeper.
According to Bermúdez himself:
“He is a great goalkeeper, but I think they would take him more for commercial interests”.
His words divided opinions among fans and analysts.
Especially in the United States, where thousands of Mexicans follow every step of the goalkeeper who shined in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
For me, he would be the third goalkeeper in 2026
Enrique Bermúdez
Who will be Mexico’s starting goalkeeper?
Javier Aguirre, current coach of the Mexican National Team, has not defined who will be the goalkeeper in 2026.
However, Bermudez pointed out that Raul “Tala” Rangel has an advantage.
“Tala is strong up top and adapts better to physical play,” Bermudez commented.
He also added that Luis Ángel Malagón has lost consistency, especially in aerial starts, a key point against European and South American teams.
Ochoa was not called up, but did visit El Tri
Memo Ochoa was not called up for the friendlies against Uruguay and Paraguay.
Despite this, he visited the CAR (High Performance Center) due to commitments with sponsors of the Tricolor, which fueled further speculation about his possible presence in 2026.
The road to the 2026 World Cup is still open
With less than a year to go before the World Cup to be played in Mexico, the United States and Canada, the battle for the Mexican goalkeeper is more open than ever.
Although Memo Ochoa has the backing of a part of the fans, sporting performance – and not the name – could be the decisive factor in defining his place on the final roster.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
