Mexico's Ochoa poised to make record sixth World Cup appearance

Mexico's squad for the World Cup has been announced, and Guillermo Ochoa, a 40-year-old goalkeeper, is poised to make history as the first goalkeeper to participate in six World Cup finals.

n

Ochoa, who currently plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, will join an elite group of players, including Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina, who have also appeared in six World Cups.

n

Although Ochoa's participation in the tournament is assured, his playing time may be limited, as he has fallen down the pecking order in recent years, unlike Ronaldo and Messi, who are automatic first choices.

n

The squad, which was named on Sunday, features a mix of experienced players, including forwards Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez, who play for Fulham and AC Milan, respectively.

n

Two naturalised players, Spain-born midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo and Colombia-born forward Julian Quinones, have become key players for the team under the guidance of coach Javier Aguirre.

n

Gilberto Mora, a 17-year-old attacking midfielder, is set to become the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup, a notable achievement for the talented youngster.

n

Javier Aguirre, 67, will be leading the team for the third time in the World Cup, having previously been in charge in 2002 and 2010, although the team failed to progress beyond the group stage on both occasions.

n

The team's goal is to replicate the success of the 1970 and 1986 Mexican teams, which reached the last eight when they hosted the tournament, and avoid the disappointment of the 2002 and 2010 campaigns.

n

Mexico, co-hosting the tournament with Canada and the US, will play their opening game against South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City.

n

The team's subsequent matches will be against South Korea on June 18 and the Czech Republic on June 24, as they aim to progress beyond the group stage.

n

The Mexico squad includes goalkeepers Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, and Carlos Acevedo, as well as a range of defenders, midfielders, and forwards from various clubs around the world.

n

The full squad list features players from top clubs, including Guadalajara, America, PAOK, Lokomotiv Moscow, and AC Milan, among others.