The veteran Mexican goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa, made history during his last appearance for Mexico in the FIFA World Cup of 2026. Ochoa was brought on in the 77th minute of Group A match against Czechia, becoming the oldest ever player to represent Mexico in the World Cup tournament, aged 40 years and 346 days old. This record previously belonged to Rafa Márquez who played for Mexico as their captain during the 2018 World Cup aged 39 years and 139 days old.

Guillermo Ochoa is among the few players that have made it to the stage of participating in six FIFA World Cup tournaments. Guillermo Ochoa now shares this feat with Lionel Messi from Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal. Guillermo Ochoa was used as a substitute goalkeeper in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup tournaments and Mexico’s first choice goalkeeper in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups.

Following Mexico's 3-0 victory, Ochoa spoke about the fans, saying, "The most beautiful thing is that people recognize your efforts. I always try to give my best for them and leave a mark." "I feel there couldn't have been a better farewell today." The stage for Ochoa's farewell was also special; his final match took place at the Azteca Stadium-the very ground where he made his professional football debut for Club América in 2004.

Ochoa said, "I felt the love of the people in the stadium where my football journey began and where I grew up. Back when I used to sit in the stands, I would dream of stepping onto the pitch and playing in this very stadium."

In Ochoa's farewell match, Mexico defeated Czechia 3–0. Mateo Chávez, Julián Quiñones, and Álvaro Fidalgo scored goals in the second half. With this victory, Mexico won all three of its World Cup group-stage matches for the first time in its history. Previously, their best performance had been two wins and a draw, achieved in 1986 and 2002.

The match offered a glimpse into both Mexico's footballing past and future. Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora became the youngest Mexican player to start a World Cup match, while 40-year-old Ochoa bid a memorable farewell to his long and successful career.

Ochoa had already indicated that he would retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. However, the match against Czechia turned out to be his final appearance for Mexico. The door for his return opened when the team's regular goalkeeper, Luis Ángel Malagón, suffered an injury. Ochoa was subsequently given another chance in the World Cup squad, and he turned the opportunity into a historic moment.

Having secured the top spot in Group A, Mexico has now advanced to the Round of 32. The team will play its next match at the Estadio Azteca, where it will face a qualifying team from another group.