'The competition remains open' - Javier Aguirre sends a message to Mexico goalkeepers Luis Ángel Malagón and Raúl Rangel

The goalkeeping situation for the Mexican national team has become one of the main talking points just months before the World Cup. According to Aguirre, the starting spot between the posts is still up for grabs - even though América’s Luis Ángel Malagón has been his go-to choice in key tournaments such as the Nations League and the Gold Cup.

“We’ve tested several young goalkeepers [at the position],” he said. “Just because Malagón and ‘Tala’ [Rangel] have been regulars doesn’t mean they’re untouchable. Everyone makes mistakes, and the competition remains open.”

Chivas goalkeeper Raúl ‘Tala’ Rangel has regularly been the backup under Aguirre, but the race is far from settled. Veteran Guillermo Ochoa is hoping to make history by playing in his sixth World Cup, which would set a new record for the most tournament appearances by a Mexican player. Meanwhile, Santos Laguna’s Carlos Acevedo has returned for this international window, and other names like Carlos Moreno, Alex Padilla, and Sebastián Jurado remain in contention.

Ochoa recently found a new club in AEL Limassol of Cyprus and has already made three appearances, but his place in the final World Cup squad is not guaranteed. In an interview with TUDN, Aguirre emphasized that no one - not even Ochoa - will receive special treatment.

“Memo is doing fine right now,” Aguirre said. “But we haven’t even discussed the six-World-Cup milestone - not at all. If he’s playing and in good form, he’ll compete like everyone else. I don’t hand out spots, and Memo knows that. In fact, he prefers it that way.”

Despite that stance, the coach acknowledged the unique value Ochoa brings to the squad.

“The experience Memo has is unmatched,” Aguirre added. “The composure, the calm he transmits, and his leadership in the locker room - no one else has that. He’s spent many years abroad, and that gives him an edge you can’t buy. He knows how to guide the younger players, how to lead by example. Watching him train, you can see why he’s been at the top for so long.”

The coach concluded by emphasizing that it’s a healthy battle among five or six players, including Ochoa, to earn one of the three coveted goalkeeping spots for the 2026 World Cup.

One of the names in the spotlight is Acevedo, who is in the midst of a breakout season for Santos Laguna. 

“I’m happy and proud to be here, grateful for the opportunity to wear Mexico’s jersey, and eager to work hard to earn a place,”  he said in an interview with Mexico's official site. 

The goalkeeper has six caps, with his last appearance coming in 2023. 

Mexico face two high-level opponents during this October international window. First up is Colombia, with the match set for Saturday at AT&T Stadium, followed by a clash against Ecuador next Tuesday at the Estadio Arkon in Guadalajara.