'Anything can happen' - Mexico legend Oswaldo Sánchez excludes Guillermo Ochoa from his 2026 projected World Cup goalkeeper selections

During the official unveiling of the 2026 World Cup poster for the city of Guadalajara, former Chivas goalkeeper and three-time World Cup participant with the Mexican national team, Oswaldo Sánchez, shared his thoughts on which three goalkeepers he believes should be called up for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

His response came as a surprise - he left out the legendary Guillermo Ochoa, who, alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, is aiming to become the first player in history to appear in six World Cups next year.

"I see both of them doing very well [Luis Ángel Malagón and Raúl Rangel). I’ve known Malagón since Santos Laguna, he’s a very proactive guy, but we can’t rule out Rangel either. There’s still more than a year left before the World Cup - injuries can happen, anything can happen - and I would add Carlos Acevedo," he said. "Those are the three who will be competing for a spot at the World Cup, depending on what the coaching staff decides, but for me, those are the three who should be fighting for the position."

While Ochoa has done everything in his power to remain in European football in order to continue testing himself at the highest level—something truly admirable - the new generation of Mexican goalkeepers has been pushing through in recent years. And for now, everything seems to indicate that the Mexican national team's starting goalkeeper is clear: Malagón.

The América goalkeeper is one of Liga MX’s brightest stars and has proven he has no ceiling at 28. Another goalkeeper currently in fine form is Rangel from Chivas. Both were selected by Mexico manager Javier Aguirre to compete in the Nations League Final Four, along with young Carlos Moreno from Pachuca, whom the coaching staff wanted to evaluate up close.

But as Oswaldo Sánchez pointed out: “There’s still more than a year to go, and anything can happen.”

It remains to be seen which goalkeeper El Vasco will call up for this summer’s Gold Cup, but signs suggest that the doors to the Mexico national team may be gradually closing for the legendary Ochoa. That said, knowing his professionalism and dedication, he will surely keep fighting to earn his place and achieve the dream of playing in a sixth World Cup.

“I got to play in a U-20 World Cup, the Olympics, and three World Cups, but I was only going to be the starter in one of them - so to miss it? I wouldn’t have forgiven myself," Sanchez said. "Getting to live it was incredible. The support from the people at that time, who were always by my side, meant everything. But above all, it was that childhood dream of playing in a World Cup - and that dream, I couldn’t let it go.”

The former goalkeeper, who played professionally from 1993 to 2014, added, “There are no words to describe what a World Cup is - the passion and the deep national pride you feel in that moment.”

This Thursday, the Gold Cup draw will take place, where the reigning champions of the tournament, Mexico, will find out their Group Stage opponents for the competition set to be played this summer in the United States.

El Tri will have two preparation matches ahead of the tournament—against Switzerland on June 7 and against Turkey on June 10.