Mexican goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon sustains serious injury ahead of World Cup

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Club America goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Philadelphia Union. The 29-year-old was substituted in the 42nd minute following the injury, which is expected to rule him out of the upcoming World Cup. Malagon was the projected starting goalkeeper for the Mexican national team. Reports indicate that 40-year-old Guillermo Ochoa, currently playing for AEL Limassol, is being considered as his replacement. Following a successful meeting with head coach Javier Aguirre and Rafael Marquez, Ochoa has agreed to rejoin the national squad for the March matches. This return marks the end of a 16-month absence, with his last official appearance occurring in November 2024. If selected for the final World Cup squad, Ochoa would achieve the historic milestone of participating in his sixth tournament.