Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutierrez switch from United States to Mexico ahead of World Cup | OneFootball

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has gained two United States-born players, as defender Richard Ledezma, 25, and midfielder Brian Gutierrez, 22, switch allegiance to Mexico ahead of the World Cup.

The Mexican federation said FIFA has confirmed both are eligible to represent El Tri, and that they can feature in warm-up matches against Panama on 22 January and Bolivia on 25 January after receiving call-ups.

Both hold dual United States and Mexican nationality and play for Chivas in Mexico’s topflight. They were not in the plans of United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Gutierrez earned two United States caps in January 2025, friendlies won against Venezuela 3-1 and Costa Rica 3-0. Ledezma made a single United States appearance in November 2020, a 6-2 friendly win over Panama.

FIFA rules allow a one-time switch for players with fewer than three senior appearances, competitive or otherwise, provided they have not played competitive senior matches after turning 21.

There has been no reaction yet from United States president Donald Trump. The pair’s decisions hand Aguirre two additional options for his World Cup plans.

Source: L'Équipe