Richy Ledezma has officially switched allegiance from the U.S. to Mexico, committing to play for the Mexican national team for the remainder of his international career. Ledezma's switch was confirmed by FIFA, while Brian Gutiérrez remains eligible to play for both countries as he hasn't participated in an official match for the U.S. This month, both players were called up to the Mexican national team for friendlies against Panama and Bolivia, showcasing their potential for the 2026 World Cup. Ledezma and Gutiérrez previously represented the U.S. at various youth levels, with Ledezma having played a senior match in 2020.

By the Numbers
  • Richy Ledezma is 25 years old and has made one appearance for the USMNT.
  • Brian Gutiérrez is 22 and has never played for the U.S. at any official level.
State of Play
  • Both players are part of Mexico's training camp and friendlies scheduled for January 22 and 25.
  • Ledezma's transition follows a promising season with Chivas de Guadalajara, while Gutiérrez also recently joined Chivas.
What's Next

Ledezma and Gutiérrez will look to make an impact in the upcoming friendlies to secure their places in Mexico's roster for the World Cup. Their performances could dictate their roles moving forward, especially given the competitive nature of the squad.

Bottom Line

The decisions by Ledezma and Gutiérrez reflect the complexities of dual nationality in soccer, presenting both opportunities and challenges as they navigate their futures with the Mexican national team. This shift in allegiance could change the dynamics of player selection for the upcoming World Cup.