Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, the man who has been stopping shots for Mexico since most of today’s El Tri fans were in elementary school, has confirmed he will retire from football following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, set to run from June 8 to July 8 across the US, Canada, and Mexico, will serve as both a homecoming and a farewell for one of the most enduring figures in Mexican sports history.
When Ochoa steps onto the pitch this summer, he’ll be 41 years old and competing in his sixth World Cup.
A career measured in decades
Ochoa’s international journey began in 2005, which, for context, was the same year YouTube launched. Over the two decades since, he has accumulated 152 caps for Mexico’s national team, a number that cements him as one of the most decorated goalkeepers in CONCACAF history.
His club career has been equally globe-trotting. Ochoa has suited up for prominent clubs including América, Málaga, Standard Liège, and AEL Limassol.
