Richy Ledezma Switches Allegiance As Mexico Eyes World Cup

In a move that’s turning heads throughout the soccer world, Richy Ledezma has officially switched his national team allegiance from the United States to Mexico, with FIFA confirming the change on January 20, 2026. The 25-year-old right wingback, born in Phoenix to Mexican parents, is now set to don the green of El Tri after previously representing the U.S. at youth and senior levels. His switch, announced by the Mexican soccer federation and FIFA, comes at a time when Mexico is actively reshaping its roster ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Ledezma’s journey to this pivotal moment has been anything but ordinary. He first made waves as a standout for the U.S. squad at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup in Poland, later earning a senior cap in a friendly against Panama on November 16, 2020. But despite his promising performances in Europe with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, Ledezma found himself overlooked by the U.S. national team in recent years, even as he played regularly overseas.

"I would like to represent Mexico," Ledezma declared last year, making no secret of his aspirations. "My dream is to go to the World Cup." After six seasons in the Netherlands, he signed with Mexican powerhouse Chivas de Guadalajara in June 2025. His impact was immediate, starting in the first three matches of the Clausura tournament and impressing coach Javier Aguirre, who has been searching for a reliable right wingback since taking the helm in August 2024.

The right wingback position has been a revolving door for Mexico, with Aguirre trying about six different players in that spot. Ledezma’s arrival couldn’t be timelier, as Mexico gears up for two high-profile friendlies—against Panama on January 22 and Bolivia on January 25. Both matches serve as critical auditions for players hoping to make the final World Cup roster.

But Ledezma isn’t the only Mexican-American making headlines. Brian Gutiérrez, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder from Chicago, is also in the mix for Mexico’s January camp. Unlike Ledezma, Gutiérrez never played in an official competition for the U.S. at any level, so he didn’t need to file a one-time switch. He remains eligible to represent either country until he appears in a competitive senior match. Gutiérrez, who came through the Chicago Fire academy and made his mark in Major League Soccer, obtained a Mexican passport in the fall of 2025, moved to Chivas in December, and now finds himself called up to El Tri alongside Ledezma.

According to a U.S. Soccer spokesperson, "Gutiérrez never played in an official competition for the U.S. at any level. He therefore did not need to file a one-time switch." This subtle difference in their paths underscores the complexity of FIFA’s eligibility rules, which allow dual-national players to make a one-time change of association under certain circumstances.

FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber approved Ledezma’s switch this month, making him officially committed to Mexico for the rest of his international career. The Mexican federation, FMF, wasted little time, announcing both Ledezma and Gutiérrez as part of their 27-man roster for the January friendlies. The camp, held during a Liga MX pause, is designed to give the coaching staff a closer look at less-heralded players, with most mainstays like Edson Álvarez and Raúl Jiménez remaining with their European clubs.

This January’s roster is almost entirely composed of players from Mexican clubs, with one notable exception: Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, another Mexican-American dual national who also opted to represent Mexico over the U.S. The inclusion of so many dual nationals reflects a broader strategy by Mexico to tap into the rich talent pool of Mexican-Americans, many of whom have developed in the U.S. system but retain strong ties to their heritage.

Ledezma’s move to Chivas was a significant step in his career. Chivas, known for its policy of fielding only Mexican players, immediately benefited from his European experience. After a strong Apertura campaign, Ledezma’s ambitions became clear. "My dream is to go to the World Cup," he said, and now that dream appears within reach. Coach Javier Aguirre, facing mounting pressure to solidify his defense, seems ready to give Ledezma every chance to claim the right wingback spot.

Meanwhile, Gutiérrez’s rise has been just as remarkable. After being omitted from the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup roster despite making the broader provisional list, he seized the opportunity to pursue his international future with Mexico. His versatility as an attacking midfielder, coupled with his youth and MLS experience, make him an intriguing option for Aguirre’s evolving squad.

Both players’ stories highlight the increasingly fluid nature of international soccer allegiances, particularly for dual nationals. The U.S. and Mexico have long competed for the loyalty of players like Ledezma and Gutiérrez, who straddle two cultures and two soccer traditions. The stakes are especially high with the 2026 World Cup looming, and both federations are keenly aware of the need to secure top talent.

For Ledezma, the decision was both personal and professional. Born and raised in Phoenix, he’s always felt a strong connection to his Mexican roots. His parents’ heritage and his own experiences in Liga MX have shaped his identity as a player. Now, as he prepares to make his first appearance for Mexico’s senior national team, he carries the hopes of fans on both sides of the border.

The friendlies against Panama and Bolivia aren’t just tune-ups—they’re auditions. With Aguirre’s right wingback dilemma still unresolved, Ledezma has a realistic shot at locking down the position for the World Cup. Gutiérrez, too, will be eager to impress, knowing that a strong showing could cement his place in future call-ups.

As the January camp unfolds, all eyes will be on these Mexican-American standouts. Their journeys reflect the changing landscape of North American soccer, where identity, opportunity, and ambition intersect in fascinating ways. With the World Cup on the horizon and competition for roster spots fiercer than ever, every appearance counts.

For now, the spotlight shines brightest on Richy Ledezma, whose bold switch could pay dividends for both player and country. The coming friendlies promise to be more than just games—they’re the opening chapters of a new era for Mexico’s national team, one defined by fresh faces, renewed ambition, and the unbreakable bonds of heritage.