Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa poised for historic sixth World Cup as Mexico unveil squad

Ochoa, who made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006, joins an exclusive group that includes Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, who are also in line to appear at a sixth World Cup. However, unlike the two global icons, Ochoa is not expected to be a first-choice starter after slipping down the pecking order in recent years.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has blended experience with emerging talent in a squad that will be led by captain Edson Alvarez and experienced striker Raul Jimenez, while AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez is also expected to play a key role for the co-hosts.

Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora is among the headline inclusions and could become the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a World Cup at just 17 years old. Guadalajara forward Armando Gonzalez is another young prospect selected by Aguirre, alongside dual nationals Obed Vargas and Brian Gutierrez.

Naturalised players Alvaro Fidalgo and Julian Quinones have also been included after establishing themselves as important members of the national team setup in recent years. Spain-born Fidalgo and Colombia-born Quinones are among several players expected to provide creativity and attacking threat as Mexico look to make the most of home advantage.

For Aguirre, 67, the tournament will mark his third World Cup in charge of El Tri after previous stints at the 2002 and 2010 finals. On both occasions Mexico failed to progress beyond the group stage, but they will be hoping to emulate the country's best World Cup performances, reaching the quarter-finals when they hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986.

Mexico, who are co-hosting the competition alongside the United States and Canada, will play South Africa in the opening match of the tournament at Estadio Azteca on June 11. Before then, Aguirre's side will face Serbia in a final warm-up match on June 4.

The squad includes three goalkeepers, six defenders, 10 midfielders and seven forwards, with Ochoa joined by Raul Rangel and Carlos Acevedo between the posts.

Mexico squad

Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Raul Rangel, Carlos Acevedo.

Defenders: Jesus Gallardo, Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vazquez, Mateo Chavez.

Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Orbelin Pineda, Luis Romo, Brian Gutierrez, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, Luis Chavez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Cesar Huerta.

Forwards: Armando Gonzalez, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Santiago Gimenez, Guillermo Martinez, Alexis Vega, Roberto Alvarado. 

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