Guillermo Ochoa retires in tears after Mexico’s World Cup exit to England

Mexico goalkeeping veteran Guillermo Ochoa has confirmed his immediate retirement from football following his country’s World Cup exit at the hands of England. The 40-year-old’s farewell came after Thomas Tuchel’s side produced a stunning 3-2 victory inside the Azteca Stadium, despite playing most of the second half with ten men.

England’s players were serenaded by travelling supporters after the full-time whistle, while at the other end of the pitch a far more poignant scene unfolded. Ochoa was hoisted into the air by his Mexico team-mates as he bade farewell to fans alongside his family, visibly fighting back tears on the bench.

The goalkeeper had announced before the tournament began that he intended to retire once Mexico’s World Cup campaign came to an end. He kept true to his word, closing out a 23-year professional career at the very stadium where it began.

An emotional farewell at the Azteca

Speaking to reporters after the match, Ochoa reflected on the symmetry of his career. “My first game, Azteca. My last game, Azteca. It’s been a beautiful final chapter of my career. Thank you, everyone,” he said.

The shot-stopper, who turns 41 on 13 July, finishes his international career with 153 caps for Mexico, 12 of which came at World Cup finals. He made more than 425 appearances across two spells with Club America and also played across Europe, turning out for AC Ajaccio, Malaga, Granada, Standard Liege, Salernitana, AVS and, most recently, AEL Limassol.

Ochoa had lost his place as Mexico’s first-choice goalkeeper during the tournament, having held the number one shirt since 2014, but remained part of Javier Aguirre’s squad to lend his experience through what was his sixth World Cup finals appearance since 2006.

Aguirre gave him one final send-off in Mexico’s last group match against Czechia at the Azteca, with the hosts already through as group winners. Ochoa came on in the 77th minute to replace Raul Rangel as Mexico ran out 3-0 winners, but that appearance would prove to be his last taste of victory at the tournament.

England’s dramatic win seals Mexico’s exit

Mexico were unable to overturn the deficit against England in front of their own supporters. Battling thunderstorms and Mexico City’s altitude of more than 7,000 feet above sea level, Tuchel’s side raced into control when Jude Bellingham struck twice in quick succession in the first half, before Julian Quinones pulled one back for the hosts on 42 minutes.

England were reduced to ten men after Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card, putting their advantage in doubt. Harry Kane restored the two-goal cushion from the penalty spot on the hour mark, only for Mexico to be awarded a spot-kick of their own after Kane was penalised for a challenge inside the box, which Raul Jimenez converted.

Mexico pressed hard for a leveller late on but could not find a way past Jordan Pickford, with England holding on for a 3-2 win that condemned the co-hosts to only their third defeat in 90 matches at the Azteca and their first ever World Cup loss on home soil.

England now face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday, after Erling Haaland’s double helped the Scandinavians stun Brazil 2-1.

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