‘Memo’ Ochoa Shines in Mexico’s American World Cup Send-Off at Rose Bowl. Is He El Tri’s Starter?

Less than two weeks before its home debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico held its American send-off match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

The day largely went as expected.

Outside the stadium, the savory sizzle of carne asada took over smelling senses, the Arroyo Seco’s green spaces turned into a dance floor, and free-flowing alcohol fueled the fan fiesta.

On the field, Mexico’s 1-0 win against Australia was pedestrian as is often the case of pre-tournament tune-up matches. And to borrow poker terminology, El Tri’s coach Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre did not show his hand. His moves suggested he was evaluating individual positions and resolving lingering questions ahead of Mexico’s June 11 opener against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium.

View this post on Instagram

But one development few saw coming – and one that will almost certainly give Aguirre more to ponder as the tournament approaches – was Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa making a case to reclaim Mexico’s starting goalkeeper spot, a position that seemed to already have someone penciled in.

Since Aguirre returned for his third stint in charge in late summer 2024, Raul “Tala” Rangel had emerged as his preferred option. Even with Luis Angel Malagon established as the proven starter, Rangel seemed to win el “Vasco’s” attention. His height, confidence in the air and ability to play comfortably out of the back earned him valuable points. Even before Malagon suffered a torn Achilles in early March, “Tala” had been gaining ground in the race for the No. 1 role. The injury only appeared to cement his place.

Meanwhile, Ochoa’s role with the national seemed to be heading into the sunset.

No solo somos 26… Somos los de aquí y los de allá. Hoy y siempre.#SomosMéxico 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/gXiOSE4UU8

— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) June 1, 2026

Although he remained Mexico’s starting goalkeeper following the disastrous 2022 World Cup in Qatar – where El Tri failed to advance past the group stage – by mid-2024 there was a movement to refresh the squad. With Ochoa approaching 40 and without a club after being let go by Italian side Salernitana, then-manager Jaime Lozano left him off Mexico’s Copa America list.

Still, Ochoa never abandoned his pursuit of a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance. He sought refuge with fringe European clubs, Portugal’s AVS and Cyprus’ AEL Limassol.

Aguirre’s return also brought Ochoa back into the fold, though initially only as a backup. But after the 2025 Gold Cup, he appeared to quietly disappear from the national team picture and hopes of a sixth World Cup seemed all but over.

Then it seemed destiny took its hand.   

Malagon’s injury, coupled with Mexico’s lack of proven depth in goal, reopened the door for “Memo” with el Tri. By March, Ochoa was back in the mix despite the groans of fans who believed the 40-year-old was simply “too old” to go to the World Cup.

However, there was always a general notion that Guillermo Ochoa would be going to his sixth World Cup, but only as the third-choice goalkeeper, behind Rangel and Carlos Acevedo.

But after replacing Rangel at halftime against the Australians, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ochoa ends up between the posts for Mexico’s tournament opener.

Simply put, “Memo” gives El Tri a different edge.

A palpable energy shift swept through the stadium when the giant video board showed Ochoa receiving the captain’s armband from Edson Alavarez. Los Angeles has always embraced star power, and when the veteran goalkeeper stepped onto the field, the crowd of more than 78,000 greeted him like a returning hero.

He also outshined Rangel between the posts. The younger keeper’s occasional shakiness surfaced in the first half, most notably on a poor intervention that could have led to an Australian goal had it not been for Mohamed Toure’s laughable miss.

Ochoa, meanwhile, quickly showcased the superb shot-stopping ability that has defined his career. Just four minutes into the second half, he produced a spectacular diving save to deny a long blast from Aiden O’Neill.

But it was also his leadership that set him apart.

With a cool yet commanding demeanor, he organized the back line, corrected positional breakdowns from the first 45 minutes, and imposed his presence on field.

While Ochoa’s aerial play and decision-making when coming off his line are still recurring concerns, and he has lost a step or two, his proven experience on the soccer’s biggest stage – who can forget his heroics in Brazil 2014– gives Mexico an assuring sense of security that Rangel and Acevedo can’t deliver at this moment.  

It may seem unfair for “Tala” to be dumped as a starter just as he approaches the 2026 World Cup altar, but as they say, history has a funny way of repeating itself.

Heading into South Africa 2010, it was Ochoa who was hitting his stride as Mexico’s main man at goal. However, at the last hour Aguirre leaned on experience and familiarity, surprisingly turning to veteran goalkeeper Oscar Perez, who had previously started for him at Korea-Japan 2002.

Now, with el “Vasco” once again in charge, another surprise cannot be ruled out.

Only this time, Ochoa wouldn’t be the one on the bench.