Mexican journalist backs veteran goalkeeper Ochoa for World Cup 2026

Sports reporter Inés Sainz urged the Mexican Football Federation to give veteran goalkeeper Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa playing time at the 2026 World Cup after starter Luis Malagón suffered an Achilles injury. Sainz said, "Ich glaube, hoffentlich – so Gott will – sind wir bereits vor dem dritten Spiel praktisch qualifiziert," arguing that Ochoa deserves a farewell appearance.

Meanwhile, Laura Schmitt, the German partner of Spain forward Dani Olmo, expressed anxiety that she could become the "most hated person" in the nation during the tournament, recalling online abuse she endured after wearing a Spain jersey two years earlier. She told her podcast, "Ich bin gespannt, ob ich dann wieder der meistgehasste Mensch der Nation bin in meinem Spanien‑Trikot," but remained optimistic that Spain would win.

Both stories highlight personal dimensions of the upcoming World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and feature teams such as Mexico and Spain competing on the global stage.