Mexico Keeper's Tearful World Cup Confession After Bafana Clash

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel has revealed that he wanted to cry after learning he would start against South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Much of the build-up to the tournament opener centred around veteran shot-stopper Guillermo Ochoa, who would have become the first player in history to feature at six different FIFA World Cup editions had he started against Bafana Bafana.

Check Out: South Korea Star Reveals Plan To Deal With Ronwen And Pacey Attack

Given that it was the opening match of the tournament, Ochoa would also have reached the milestone before both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

That fairytale moment, however, never materialised for the 40-year-old.

Instead, Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre handed Rangel his first-ever World Cup start, entrusting the 26-year-old with the responsibility of standing between the posts on football's biggest stage.

Reflecting on the experience, Rangel admitted the uncertainty leading up to the match created an intense mental battle.

"I can tell you that before debuting in a Copa del Mundo, I had so many expectations. I knew that I could just as easily start or not start," the goalkeeper told TUDN.

"I knew that anything could happen. It was a massive mental battle that I had to work through all week."

The shot-stopper then revealed just how emotional the moment was when he finally discovered he would be in the starting XI.

"I wanted to cry, I just wanted to share it with my family," he added.

Speaking further about the experience, Rangel described the occasion as one of the biggest challenges of his career.

"It was a massive challenge, obviously, to debut in a World Cup as a starter," the shot-stopper said per Sports Illustrated.

"I think it was the perfect test to reach a certain maturity. On a personal level, it was a very demanding match, but I felt really good. The pressure was highly mental rather than just sporting."

Rangel has since justified the faith shown in him by Mexico's technical team.

The goalkeeper retained his place for the clash against South Korea and helped El Tri secure a 1-0 victory, a result that booked Mexico's place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

Check Out: South Korea Warned Against 'Rough' & 'Card-Collecting' Bafana

Now firmly established as Mexico's first-choice goalkeeper at the tournament, Rangel will be hoping to continue his impressive rise as the co-hosts target a deep run on home soil.