Last Updated:
Guillermo Ochoa becomes the third footballer to appear in a sixth FIFA World Cup, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, coming on as a substitute for Mexico against Czechia
FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa (AP)
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made history as just the third footballer to appear in his sixth FIFA World Cup as he came on as a substitute during their last Group A match against Czechia.
He joins Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the only three footballers ever to do so.
The 40-year-old replaced Raul Rangel in the 78th minute of the match in Mexico City.
It is Guillermo Ochoa’s 153rd appearance for Mexico, marking his fourth World Cup tournament appearance — after making his sixth World Cup squad. He was a back-up goalkeeper for the 2006 edition and did not play in the 2010 tournament.
Mexico Stay Perfect
The game also marked a milestone for 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who became Mexico’s youngest-ever World Cup starter as Mexico completed a perfect Group A campaign with a commanding 3-0 victorymarking the first time they have won all three matches in a World Cup group stage.
Mateo Chavez broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half before Julian Quinones doubled the advantage six minutes later with his second goal of the tournament. Alvaro Fidalgo sealed the result deep into stoppage time.
The achievement surpassed Mexico’s previous best group-stage returns of two wins and a draw, recorded in 1986 and 2002. Having already secured top spot, El Tri will now return to the Azteca Stadium for their Round of 32 clash. Czechia bowed out of the competition with just one point from three matches.
More to follow…
About the Author
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten…Read More
Mexico City, Mexico
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
