Brian Gutierrez, Richard Ledezma switching from USMNT to Mexico

Field Level Media
21 Jan 2026, 11:25 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)

Brian Gutierrez and Richard Ledezma, who have both American and Mexican citizenships, have finalized their one-time switch and will compete for the Mexican national team going forward after coming up with the USMNT.

Both players were born in the U.S. but were called up to the Mexican team this month for friendlies against Panama and Bolivia.

A player with less than three senior international caps prior to the age of 21 can switch nations one time, per FIFA regulations.

The switch had to be finalized in order for either Gutierrez or Ledezma to compete for Mexico in this summer's World Cup, which is being partially hosted in Mexico.

Ledezma, 25, made just one cap with the USMNT senior team in 2020. He spent his early professional career with Dutch side PSV before a transfer to Mexican club Chivas in 2025.

Gutierrez, 22, made a pair of USMNT senior-club appearances in friendlies early last year against Venezuela and Costa Rica. He also joined Chivas in December after six seasons with the Chicago Fire.

Mexico, in Group A of the World Cup, opens the tournament June 11 vs. South Africa in Mexico City.

--Field Level Media

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