Mexico have named their 26 man squad for the upcoming World Cup, with veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa included in the final list. The 40 year old is now set to become the first Mexican footballer to appear at six World Cups.
Ochoa first played at a World Cup in 2006 in Germany. He has not featured regularly for the national team in recent years, but head coach Javier Aguirre has once again placed his trust in the experienced goalkeeper.
Mexico’s squad combines experienced players with several young talents. Captain Edson Alvarez and striker Raul Jimenez will provide leadership, while rising stars such as Armando Gonzalez and Gilberto Mora have also earned places in the team.
Mora is one of the biggest stories in the squad. At just 17 years old, he is set to become the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a World Cup.
Young midfielders Obed Vargas and Brian Gutierrez are also part of the squad. Both players developed in the United States and are among the next generation expected to play a key role for Mexico.
Aguirre has also included two naturalised players. Midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo was born in Spain, while forward Julian Quinones was born in Colombia. Both have become regular members of the national team in recent years.
Mexico will co host the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19. Mexico’s best result as hosts came in 1986 when they reached the quarter finals.
This will be Aguirre’s third World Cup as Mexico coach. He previously led the team at the 2002 and 2010 tournaments.
Before the World Cup begins, Mexico will play Serbia in their final warm up match on Thursday. Their opening game will be against South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo.
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez, Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Mateo Chavez.
Midfielders: Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda, Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Luis Romo, Edson Alvarez, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, Luis Chavez.
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Cesar Huerta, Alexis Vega, Julian Quinones, Guillermo Martinez, Armando Gonzalez, Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez.
