Guillermo Ochoa’s World Cup streak receives major boost after one Mexico player’s injury

Angel Malagon’s injury could open the door for Guillermo Ochoa’s World Cup return

Reports about Mexico’s goalkeeping situation have circulated widely online, including a post shared on Instagram that highlighted a significant injury concern affecting the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Angel Malagon, expected to be El Tri’s starting goalkeeper, has suffered a torn Achilles and will miss the World Cup,” DAZN Football reported.

The report added: “The situation could bring Guillermo Ochoa back into the picture, with the veteran chasing a historic sixth World Cup squad appearance.”

Malagon has recently been one of the goalkeepers expected to play a major role for Mexico, which is why the reported injury immediately sparked discussion about the national team’s options heading into the tournament.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, any change in Mexico’s goalkeeper depth chart could become significant for selection decisions.

Guillermo Ochoa’s World Cup history and the chance for a historic sixth tournament

Guillermo Ochoa has become one of Mexico’s most recognizable World Cup figures after appearing in multiple tournaments across nearly two decades.

The goalkeeper was first selected for Mexico’s World Cup squad in 2006 and has since been part of the national team group in every tournament through 2022.

Although he did not play in 2006 or 2010, Ochoa became Mexico’s starting goalkeeper in 2014 and delivered one of the most famous performances in World Cup history against Brazil, producing a string of crucial saves in a 0-0 draw.

He continued as Mexico’s starting goalkeeper in both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, cementing his reputation as a player who consistently rises to the occasion on the biggest stage.

If Ochoa were selected for the 2026 World Cup squad, he would become one of the very few players ever to be named in six different World Cup rosters.