The Mexican national team heads into its final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup in a very favorable position. After defeating South Africa 2-0 and South Korea 1-0, the team coached by Javier Aguirre secured first place in Group A and advanced to the next round.
However, the match against the Czech Republic has sparked a debate that is dominating the conversation among fans and analysts: Should Memo Ochoa start in a game that could mark one of the final chapters of his historic World Cup career? One of those who spoke out clearly was Alberto García Aspe, a legendary midfielder for the Mexican national team and a World Cup veteran from the 1994 tournament in the United States, the 1998 tournament in France, and the 2002 tournament in Korea-Japan.
García Aspe Backs Tala Rangel
Although he believes that Memo Ochoa deserves recognition for his career and for what he has meant to Mexican soccer, García Aspe does not think the goalkeeper should be in the starting lineup against the Czech Republic.
The former captain of El Tri said that continuity must be maintained with Raúl “Tala” Rangel.
He has been the goalkeeper for the Mexican team during the first two matches of the tournament and has helped keep the team from conceding any goals.
From his perspective, Ochoa could potentially come into the game at some point during the match.
Especially in the final stretch, but without sacrificing the confidence and competitive process that the starting goalkeeper has built (Filed under: Memo Ochoa Should Not Start).
A strong Mexico, but with room for improvement
García Aspe emphasized that the Mexican team’s main strength has been the defensive discipline it has shown in the first two matchdays.
Mexico is one of the teams that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
A situation he considers essential in short-term competitions such as the World Cup.
However, he also noted that the national team still has room for improvement on offense.
He believes the team lacks offensive depth and a more decisive finishing touch in front of the opponent’s goal.
This is to become a more dangerous contender in the knockout rounds (Filed under: Memo Ochoa Should Not Start).
Aguirre might make some changes
With a spot in the next round already secured, Javier Aguirre has the flexibility to make adjustments to the lineup.
However, García Aspe does not believe that the Mexican coach will completely overhaul the starting lineup.
In his opinion, substitutions should be limited to players who have received yellow cards or those experiencing physical discomfort.
He points out that maintaining a competitive roster is key to sustaining the team’s rhythm and the momentum generated by the Mexican National Team’s perfect start (Filed under: Memo Ochoa Should Not Start).
Ochoa deserves recognition for his career
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An important game despite the standings
Although Mexico has already secured first place in the group, the match against the Czech Republic represents an opportunity to continue building confidence ahead of the knockout stage.
In addition, Javier Aguirre’s team could finish the group stage with a perfect record.
An achievement that would further bolster El Tri’s hopes in a World Cup being played on home soil.
The decision regarding Guillermo Ochoa will be one of the most closely watched developments leading up to the match.
While fans wait to find out if the legendary goalkeeper will see any playing time in what could be his last World Cup (Filed under: Memo Ochoa Shouldn’t Start).
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