Ochoa’s World Cup Aspirations Diminish Following Unsuccessful Transfer to Spain

Guillermo Ochoa’s path to the 2026 World Cup has faced a major hurdle. Reports indicate that his transfer to Spain’s Burgos CF fell through at the last moment, leaving him without a club just weeks before the new season begins. Without match play or a team, his chance to compete in a sixth consecutive World Cup is diminishing.

The 39-year-old goalkeeper left Portuguese club AVS in May and has been looking for a new team since then. Burgos seemed like a potential option, but upon arrival to sign the contract, Ochoa discovered the terms were different from what was previously agreed. He chose to walk away and remains a free agent.

This situation puts him at odds with Mexico’s head coach Javier Aguirre, who has stated he will only select players with active contracts. Ochoa was already omitted from the September friendlies and is unlikely to be considered for the October matches unless he finds a team. Meanwhile, Luis Ángel Malagón has taken over as the starting goalkeeper, with Carlos Moreno from Pachuca also being included in recent matches.

The European transfer windows closed on September 1 for most major leagues, with only the Dutch Eredivisie remaining open until the 2nd. Ochoa can still sign as a free agent, but concrete offers are limited. In Liga MX, the deadline is September 12, yet no club appears to be looking for a starting goalkeeper.

Ochoa hasn’t played in a competitive match since May 17. His absence during the Gold Cup and the September fixtures has underscored his decreasing role, while younger goalkeepers are gaining experience. If he does not secure a new contract soon, one of Mexico’s most celebrated players may see his historic World Cup journey come to an end.