Guillermo Ochoa Back in Contention for Mexico’s Goalkeeper Spot Against Honduras

Guillermo Ochoa, the veteran Mexican goalkeeper, is once again in the spotlight as he has been considered for the starting lineup in Mexico‘s upcoming matches against Honduras. This development comes after a period where Ochoa was excluded from key competitions, including the Copa América in 2024[2].

In the latest team selection, Ochoa has been named as the starting goalkeeper for the match against Honduras, marking a significant return for the five-time World Cup participant. This decision is part of Javier Aguirre‘s strategy, who is weighing his options carefully for the crucial FIFA dates. Despite Luis Ángel Malagón being the current first-choice goalkeeper, Ochoa’s experience and recent availability make him a strong contender for the position[2].

Ochoa’s last appearance for the Mexico national team was on March 25, 2024, in a Nations League match against the United States. Since then, he has been absent due to non-selections and injuries, totaling 234 days away from the team’s goal.

The inclusion of Ochoa is seen by some as a response to media pressure and the need for experienced players in critical matches. Former Honduran forward Eduardo Bennett suggested that Aguirre’s decision to call up Ochoa is driven by his extensive experience and the importance of the upcoming series against Honduras.