With the World ever closer, the Mexican National Team begins to outline one of the most important debates towards the final list: who will be the starting goalkeeper? The panorama offers experience, consistency and projection, with several names seriously fighting for the position under the three posts.
Malagón, América goalkeeper | IMAGO7
One of the main candidates is Luis Malagon, who has been constant and protagonist with the America. In 2025 he played 43 games in all competitions, conceded 41 goals and kept 17 clean sheets, numbers that place him as the most solid goalkeeper of the year.
In addition, he was a key piece for the Águilas to reach the Clausura 2025 final, although they ended up losing it, which does not overshadow their consistency or their weight in highly demanding matches.
Another common name in the calls is Carlos Acevedogoalkeeper of Santos Laguna. During 2025 he played 36 games, but his figures reflect a more complicated tournament: 70 goals conceded and only five clean sheets. Although his talent is indisputable and has been considered by several processes, the defensive irregularity of his team and the collective numbers have ended up affecting his candidacy.
Also appears Raúl Rangel, who has gained ground on the national radar. The goalkeeper played 41 games in 2025, allowed 51 goals and kept his goal clean 11 times. His performance has been consistent and has allowed him to position himself as a serious option, especially thinking about the immediate future of the tricolor arch.
‘Tala’ Rangel, Chivas goalkeeper | IMAGO7
In the background of the stage he is still present Guillermo Ochoa, historical reference of the National Team and who could be facing his last World Cup. “Memo”’s World Cup experience weighs, but the debate increasingly revolves around generational continuity and the soccer moment of active goalkeepers in Liga MX.
Due to performance, consistency and numbers, Luis Malagón is today the goalkeeper who is emerging as Mexico’s starter in the World Cup. His consistency throughout 2025, the number of clean sheets and his participation in decisive instances give him an advantage over Acevedo and Rangel. However, Ochoa’s experience and Rangel’s growth keep the competition open, although the present seems to tip the balance towards the América goalkeeper.
Ochoa is not sure of his place | IMAGO7
