Moisés Muñoz

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Muñoz's international journey was marked by resilience and unexpected heroics. After being left out of the 2006 World Cup squad, he returned five years later to lead Mexico in the 2013 Gold Cup. His most defining moment for the national team came during a 2014 World Cup qualification playoff against New Zealand, where he played both legs as Mexico secured a 9–3 aggregate victory, though he was not selected for the final 2014 World Cup squad. In June 2015, he received the number 1 jersey for the Gold Cup, traditionally worn by his teammate José Juan Vázquez (who wore number 23). Earlier in his career, he served as a backup at the 2004 Copa América and was second-choice at the 2005 Confederations Cup. His time with the national team also included being called up by coaches Hugo Sánchez and Sven-Göran Eriksson.

In Their Own Story

On July 14, 2013, in Mexico's final group stage match against Martinique during the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Muñoz started as the goalkeeper. The match ended in a 3–1 victory for Mexico, but it was not without drama: Muñoz failed to save a penalty kick taken by Kévin Parsemain. Despite this setback, his presence in goal remained vital. Earlier that year, under coach Miguel Herrera, he had been named the starter for the crucial playoff against New Zealand. He played both matches as Mexico dominated 9–3 on aggregate, securing their spot in the World Cup. His journey with El Tri was defined by these high-stakes moments, from being a backup in 2005 to becoming the undisputed number one in 2013 and 2015.

Reader's Guide

For fans of Moisés Muñoz's national team career, key milestones include his debut on October 27, 2004, against Ecuador. He was a second-choice goalkeeper at the 2004 Copa América and the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Mexico finished fourth. However, he took the starting role in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Later, under Miguel Herrera, he led Mexico through the 2014 World Cup qualification playoff against New Zealand, winning 9–3 on aggregate. In 2015, he wore the number 1 jersey at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and participated in the CONCACAF Cup.

Did You Know?

• Muñoz scored a diving header in the 92nd minute of the 2013 Liga MX final against Cruz Azul to force extra time and eventually win the title.
• He made his international debut for Mexico on October 27, 2004, in a friendly match against Ecuador.
• Muñoz was selected for the 2013 Gold Cup squad five years after his last call-up and eight years after his last cap.
• In June 2015, he wore the number 1 jersey for the CONCACAF Gold Cup instead of his traditional number 23.
• He played in both legs of the 2014 World Cup qualification playoff against New Zealand, helping Mexico win 9–3 on aggregate.