Memo Ochoa’s dream of a sixth World Cup hinges on Spain’s Second Division. The Mexican goalkeeper, at 40 years old, is rumored to be signing with Burgos CF in yet another attempt to stay active and keep alive his aspiration to play in the 2026 World Cup.

Ochoa has previously played for Avs Futebol, Salernitana, Standard Liège, Granada, Málaga, and Ajaccio in European football, and now he’s close to joining Burgos in Spain’s Second Division, all with the goal of becoming the first Mexican goalkeeper to compete in six World Cups.

Memo Ochoa and his goal: Becoming the historic goalkeeper with six World Cups

Javier Aguirre called him up to the Mexican National Team during the last Gold Cup, though his role was less prominent as the third goalkeeper. However, this could change due to the underwhelming performances of Luis Ángel Malagón and Tala Rangel, combined with Ochoa’s upcoming return to competitive play with Burgos CF.

El Vasco Aguirre could repeat the formula used in 2002, when a veteran Jorge Campos attended as the third goalkeeper, or in 2010, when Óscar Pérez was a surprise call-up and played as a starter in South Africa. Now, Memo Ochoa could be the big surprise and, at 40 years old, make the roster for the Mexico, United States, and Canada 2026 World Cup.

It seems like a desperate move, with just a year to go before the World Cup, as he hasn’t played for a club since May 24, when the Portuguese league ended. Spain’s Second Division may not seem the most glamorous, but it represents an effort to stay active and remain in consideration for the Mexican National Team.

Memo Ochoa is chasing history with six World Cups, despite having only started in three. In doing so, he may be blocking opportunities for younger goalkeepers like Andrés Sánchez (San Luis), Óscar García (León), or Carlos Moreno (Pachuca), who, based on age and performance, also deserve a chance with El Tri.

Memo Ochoa’s final dance takes him to Spain’s Second Division, in a last-ditch effort by the Mexican goalkeeper to stay active and cement his legacy with a sixth World Cup.