US EditionBrian Gutierrez, Richard Ledezma Switching From USMNT to Mexico
Brian Gutiérrez and Richard Ledezma completed FIFA-approved switches to Mexico, enhancing coach Javier Aguirre's squad less than five months before the 2026 World Cup kickoff.
- Mexico announced that `FIFA has confirmed the eligibility` of Brian Gutiérrez and Richard Ledezma, who finalized their one-time switches to the Mexico national team on Tuesday.
- After moves to Club Deportivo Guadalajara, Brian Gutiérrez from Chicago Fire and Richard Ledezma from PSV Eindhoven informed the FMF they wanted to represent Mexico permanently, as neither fit USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup plans.
- Under FIFA rules, Gutiérrez and Ledezma completed one-time switch paperwork after Mexico and FIFA finalized their eligibility; Gutiérrez appeared in two friendlies, while Ledezma has one senior cap and official youth World Cup appearances.
- They are eligible for friendlies this week against Panama and Bolivia , boosting Javier Aguirre's 26-man World Cup roster depth.
- Looking toward the tournament, Mexico will open on June 11 at Estadio Azteca and has friendlies Feb. 7, March 21 and March 25 as World Cup preparation.
25 Articles
25 Articles
2 US players switch to Team Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Less than five months before the FIFA men’s World Cup soccer tournament kicks off in Mexico City, two American-born players have completed one-time national team switches from the United States to Mexico. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced Tuesday that FIFA — the world governing body for soccer — has cleared Brian Gutiérrez and Richard Ledezma to represent Mexico in the 48-nation tournament, set for June 11–July 19 in Mexico, Canada…
readingeagle
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Right back Richard Ledezma has switched national teams, leaving the United States to play for Mexico. Ledezma, 25, who was born in Phoenix to Mexican parents, played for the U.S. at the Under-20 World Cup in Poland and made one appearance for the senior national team in a friendly against Panama on November 16, 2020. The Mexican Football Federation made the announcement Tuesday night. The change was made on FIFA’s Association …
Idaho Press
Richard Ledezma switches soccer allegiance from US to Mexico, joins national team
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Right wingback Richard Ledezma has switched allegiance from the United States and will play for Mexico's national soccer team.
The Mexican Football Federation reported that FIFA gave the green light for Mexican Americans Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutierrez to play for Mexico
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