Guillermo Ochoa intends to reach 2026 World Cup
Guillermo Ochoa revealed the reason behind his move to Serie A’s U.S. Salernitana from Club America, explaining he wants to “continue playing at the highest level” to reach the 2026 World Cup in pristine shape.
The Italian team began eyeing the goalkeeper as a possible transfer following a standout effort in Liga MX and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, before locking down the deal in 36 hours. Ochoa joined as a free agent, after his two-year deal with Club America expired on December 31.
"I maintain the illusion and desire to continue at a high level and to be able to play the next World Cup that is played in Mexico and to be able to end my career with that World Cup," he declared in his first press conference with the team.
Ochoa is no stranger to European football, seeing stints with Ajaccio, Malaga, Granada and Standard Liege between 2011 and 2019. He stood as Standard Liege’s first choice keeper throughout the 2018/2019 campaign, recording 48 appearances across the Belgian Super League and Europa League, before earning the club's Player of the Season award.
Despite that, though, the Belgian club did not renew his two-year deal, paving the way for his return to Club America for a second spell.
But now, he’s back and ready to fight for a starting role under manager Davide Nicola.
"The situation as a Latin American goalkeeper in Europe, I am the first goalkeeper in the history of Mexico to play in Europe and finding a team that would give a goalkeeper a non-EU place is more difficult," he continued.
“Staying six months is an option for the board, it is also an option that I liked. It is a consideration that if at any time I am not participating as I would like or playing what I could play, I have the option of not staying in a club without participating..
“I want to convince the board to stay many more years in Serie A."
Salernitana returns to action on January 4, when hosting AC Milan. The team currently sits in 12th place on the Serie A table with 17 points in 15 games.