Copa América: Mexico’s struggles a symptom of an insular approach

An impatient federation has forced a roster reboot in preparation for 2026 but the quality of the squad has dwindled as players shun the chance to play abroad

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When Guillermo Ochoa landed at the Mexico City airport in August 2019, he was greeted by hundreds of fans, some in the terminal, some outside where a brave few hopped on to the roof of the vehicle that was taking the goalkeeper from the airport to the headquarters of Club America.

Everyone was desperate to break through the sea of humanity to catch a glimpse of the legendary Mexico goalkeeper as he returned to his boyhood club. Now, it feels like nobody wants to see him at all.