World Cup 2026: Ochoa announces the end of his career

The Mexican goalkeeper will hang up his gloves after the tournament.

World Cup 2026 16 June 2026 at 07:09

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World Cup 2026: Ochoa announces the end of his career

It's the end of a long chapter between Guillermo Ochoa and football. The iconic Mexican goalkeeper has announced that he will retire after the 2026 World Cup.

At 40 years old, the man who has inspired several generations with his World Cup heroics confirmed his decision in a message shared by FIFA. Ochoa spoke of a career entirely devoted to his national team and a unique bond with Mexico.

Guillermo Ochoa on announcing his retirement after the 2026 World Cup:

🗣️ “This is one of the hardest decisions of my life because football has been everything to me for as long as I can remember.

I gave this game my childhood, my youth, my sacrifices, my tears, and some of the… pic.twitter.com/3JCWVYffkk
— ᜰ 🇦🇷 (@markklfc) June 16, 2026

Ochoa explained that after this final international adventure, he does not see himself continuing at the professional level. He says he is leaving at peace, proud of everything he has accomplished and of his commitment to his country. This announcement marks the end of an era for Mexican football, as one of its greatest icons of recent decades begins to bid farewell.

“I’ll still see you as my dad, and also as my legend.”

In the latest episode of “Letters That Unite”, Ochoa receives an emotional letter from his daughter, reflecting on his incredible journey with the Mexico national team and his legendary career at the #FIFAWorldCup.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2026