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Raul Rangel, in his home, saves Mexico and validates goalie change originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For two decades, Guillermo Ochoa has been the man called upon in the Mexico goal to be the hero.
On Thursday night, though, and for this entire 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ochoa is on the bench. Raul Rangel is the new Mexican starting goalie.
Rangel was right where he needed to be against South Korea.
The native of Guadalajara, playing there, saved the day for El Tri.
Mexico was clinging to a late 1-0 lead when South Korea swung in a dangerous cross.
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Rangel pulled off an incredible double save, including an absurd one-handed grab as his own defender ran into him to keep the ball out of the net.
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It's the kind of moment that will be replayed over and over -- and if Mexico were to make a deep run in this tournament, it'd become even more famous.
It was also crucial on this night because it meant Mexico clinched the win in Group A. They'll play a third-place team to open the knockout stage, and it'll happen in Mexico City. By winning the group, they can rest players in their third group stage match, and they know they'll get (if they win) two games in Mexico to begin the knockout rounds.
Before this tournament, Rangel had never played anything but a friendly for Mexico.
Now, he's been thrown right into the fire. And in the biggest moment of his career, he stood tall.
Goalkeeper can be a thankless job, but on Thursday night, everyone in that stadium in Guadalajara would be thanking the local lad who saved Mexico's victory.
Surely, even Ochoa would go give him a big hug. The torch has been passed, and Rangel has proven he belongs in that net.
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