FIFA does not recognize Ochoa's record.

FIFA's refusal to award the "Legacy" badge to goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has sparked considerable controversy in Mexico.

Ochoa's record was not recognized by FIFA. Photo: Reuters .

By participating in the 2026 World Cup , Ochoa has now been called up six times to represent Mexico in the most prestigious tournament on the planet. However, according to current FIFA regulations, only tournaments in which a player actually plays are counted as official participation.

In Ochoa's case, he didn't play a single minute at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Therefore, FIFA only recognizes the goalkeeper, born in 1985, as having participated in three World Cups as an on-field player, including the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. At the 2026 World Cup, he still hasn't played a single minute after two matches.

This disqualified Ochoa from receiving the "Legacy" badge, an award given to players who have participated in five to six World Cups according to FIFA criteria.

You may also like

Why was the Mexico vs Ecuador match delayed by an hour?The match between Mexico and Ecuador in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup could not take place as scheduled after bad weather hit the Azteca Stadium area (Mexico City).

The 2026 World Cup has determined the first three matches of the Round of 16.VHO - Following the Round of 16 matches this morning, July 1st, the 2026 World Cup has officially determined the first three pairings for the Round of 8.

Two veteran captains, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, face off.Portugal and Croatia will meet for the first time at the World Cup at 6:00 AM on July 3rd (Vietnam time).

Ochoa has not yet played in the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Reuters .

The decision sparked a strong reaction in Mexico. Many fans argued that Ochoa deserved recognition for having represented the national team in six consecutive World Cups, a rare achievement in the history of world football.

Meanwhile, FIFA maintains its stance that being called up and actually playing are two completely different concepts. According to this rule, Ochoa cannot be grouped with legends like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, who have directly played in numerous World Cups over the past 20 years.

If Ochoa is allowed to play in the 2026 World Cup, the Mexican Football Federation is reportedly going to continue lobbying FIFA to reconsider the special case of the 40-year-old goalkeeper.

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao.

Highlights Mexico 1-0 South Korea: Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 in the match on the morning of June 19th to take a big step towards the knockout round, while the Asian representative put themselves in a difficult position before the final matchday of Group A.

Source: https://znews.vn/fifa-khong-cong-nhan-ky-luc-cua-ochoa-post1661366.html