Mexico Steals Two Rising USMNT Stars in Bold 2026 World Cup Power Play
The ongoing competition for players with dual nationality between Mexico and the United States was rekindled this week when former USMNT players Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez made their first international appearances wearing Mexico's green jersey.
The most shocking element of Javier Aguirre's 27-player squad for Mexico's January training camp was the selection of these two Mexican-American prospects. Neither athlete had previously represented El Tri at any stage of their careers, having both played for the USMNT during their youth development and even securing senior caps for the Stars and Stripes.
However, over the past seven months, both players joined Liga MX giants Chivas to strengthen a formerly dormant powerhouse that has regained its status under manager Gabriel Milito's guidance. Notably, Chivas exclusively allows players holding Mexican citizenship to join their ranks, a club that takes pride in their motto of being "El Equipo más Mexicano" (the most Mexican team).
The duo of American-born talents not only represent The Most Mexican Team, but they also created history on Thursday evening when they stepped onto the field wearing El Tri's colors for the first time in Mexico's 1–0 victory against Panama.
Both athletes will aim to secure positions in Mexico's 2026 World Cup squad. However... who are Ledezma and Gutiérrez exactly?
Richard Ledezma: Mexico's Solution at Right Back
Richard Ledezma: Mexico's Solution at Right Back
The right-back position became perhaps the most critical area of concern for Aguirre following Rodrigo Huescas's serious knee injury. In Ledezma, Aguirre seems to have discovered the ideal solution.
Born in Phoenix, Ledezma relocated to Europe early in his career to join PSV Eindhoven's youth system. He later returned to Major League Soccer for one season with New York City FC, before going back to PSV for the 2024–25 campaign.
Throughout this period, Ledezma represented the USMNT in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and earned his senior debut in a friendly match in 2020. However, international opportunities have been scarce since then, and the 25-year-old changed his allegiance after one season in Liga MX.
In November, Ledezma stated, "I would like to represent Mexico and if I perform well at Chivas I can reach the World Cup." Two months later, the versatile fullback submitted his one-time switch with FIFA to represent El Tri permanently and debuted shortly after.
Ledezma's natural offensive abilities and skill in the attacking third were evident against Panama, where he stood out as one of Mexico's top performers. No other player in Aguirre's squad can better replicate Huescas's contributions than Ledezma, making him a strong contender for El Tri's World Cup roster.
Brian Gutiérrez: Pochettino Reject Seeks to Flourish Under Aguirre
Brian Gutiérrez: Pochettino Reject Seeks to Flourish Under Aguirre
A year ago, Gutiérrez began two friendly matches under Mauricio Pochettino in the USMNT's January 2025 camp against Venezuela and Costa Rica. In a squad composed entirely of MLS players, the former Chicago Fire talent was among the camp's top performers.
The 22-year-old Chicago-born player developed through Chicago Fire's academy and regularly appeared for USMNT at U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. Pochettino selected him for his 2025 Concacaf Nations League squad, but he didn't earn his official debut with the Stars and Stripes and was subsequently among the final players cut from the 2025 Gold Cup roster.
Since he never made an official appearance at any level with the USMNT, Gutiérrez didn't require a one-time switch to play for Mexico and could still potentially represent the U.S. in the future. However, after departing Chicago for Chivas a month ago, Gutierrez seems to have decided which national team he wants to represent going forward.
"It was my choice to join Chivas because it's all Mexican players," Gutiérrez commented after his El Tri debut. "When I came to Chivas, I was already 100% committed to Mexico."
After just three matches with Chivas, Gutiérrez earned his El Tri debut following strong midfield performances. His work rate combined with his composure on the ball and versatility to play across the midfield—including wide positions—make him an appealing option for Aguirre to consider before the World Cup.
USMNT, Mexico Continue Competition for Dual Nationals
USMNT, Mexico Continue Competition for Dual Nationals
Mexico and the USMNT have been engaged in a prolonged competition to secure Mexican-American talents. The pursuit of dual-nationals has existed for years, but it has intensified significantly since the decade began.
In numerous instances, like with Ledezma and Gutiérrez, dual-nationals change allegiances when they reach the senior level after representing the other nation at youth levels.
Alejandro Zendejas has developed into one of Liga MX's finest players over the last two years, but after representing Mexico during his youth career, he chose to play for the USMNT at the senior level.
Conversely, Obed Vargas, recently recognized as MLS's top young player, represented the USMNT in the 2023 U-20 World Cup. Two years later, he participated in the same competition, but this time for Mexico after filing his one-time switch.
Additional examples of players who could have represented either nation include USMNT stalwarts Ricardo Pepi and Diego Luna. For Mexico, Julián Araújo represented the most recent success in the dual-national competition until Vargas and the Chivas pair also joined El Tri.
Increasing numbers of Mexican-Americans are currently developing through both nations' youth systems, meaning the competition to secure top dual-nationals isn't expected to diminish anytime soon. In fact, Ledezma and Gutiérrez may well be the cases that intensify the battle between these two historic Concacaf rivals.