Sánchez was called up by Juan de Dios Castillo to participate at the 1993 FIFA World Youth Championship.
He made his debut for the senior national team in 1996, against Bolivia.
He has been part of three FIFA World Cups, in France 1998, 2002 and 2006.
Coach Ricardo La Volpe called up Sánchez once again on April 2, 2006, to be the starting goalkeeper for Mexico in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
During preparation for the 2006 World Cup, Sánchez' father died of a heart attack on June 7, age 56.
Sánchez flew home to Guadalajara, but he returned to Germany in time for the team's first game against Iran, which they won by a score of 3-1.

In 2007, he was called up by coach Hugo Sánchez to play in the Gold Cup and 2007 Copa América.
Sánchez was selected to represent Mexico in friendlies against Ghana national team and China national team, his first callup since the 2007 Copa América.

Sanchez was not called up to the World Cup 2010 and did not play a single match for the Mexico national team in 2010.
He played his 99th and last international match for Mexico on October 11, 2011 in a 2–1 loss to Brazil.
He was substituted by Alfredo Talavera in the 88th minute, marking his official national football retirement.
Sánchez was called up by Juan de Dios Castillo to participate at the 1993 FIFA World Youth Championship. He made his debut for the senior national team in 1996, against Bolivia. He has been part of three FIFA World Cups, in France 1998, 2002 and 2006. Coach Ricardo La Volpe called up Sánchez once again on April 2, 2006, to be the starting goalkeeper for Mexico in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. During preparation for the 2006 World Cup, Sánchez' father died of a heart attack on June 7, age 56. Sánchez flew home to Guadalajara, but he returned to Germany in time for the team's first game against Iran, which they won by a score of 3-1.
In 2007, he was called up by coach Hugo Sánchez to play in the Gold Cup and 2007 Copa América. Sánchez was selected to represent Mexico in friendlies against Ghana national team and China national team, his first callup since the 2007 Copa América.
Sanchez was not called up to the World Cup 2010 and did not play a single match for the Mexico national team in 2010. He played his 99th and last international match for Mexico on October 11, 2011 in a 2–1 loss to Brazil. He was substituted by Alfredo Talavera in the 88th minute, marking his official national football retirement.
Oswaldo Sánchez