Why a USMNT Midfielder Is Switching to Mexico for World Cup 2026

A dual-nationality midfielder, previously capped by the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), has initiated the process to change his national federation affiliation to Mexico. The player’s objective is to secure a place on Mexico’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Main News

The player holds both American and Mexican citizenship. He has officially filed a request with FIFA to change his national team eligibility from the United States to Mexico.

He has made three official appearances for the USMNT. All three of these appearances occurred in friendly matches, which are non-competitive fixtures.

According to FIFA statutes, a player with limited senior caps can switch federations if those appearances were all in friendlies and the player held permanent nationality for the new association at the time of those matches. The request is now pending formal approval from FIFA.

The athlete has stated his goal is to compete for a spot on the Mexican national team, known as El Tri, for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Summary

A midfielder with prior caps for the USMNT is seeking to represent Mexico internationally. He has filed the necessary paperwork with FIFA to make this switch official.

His three appearances for the United States were all in friendly matches, making him eligible for a one-time change of association under FIFA rules. This is due to his dual nationality.

The player’s primary motivation is to enhance his chances of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By switching to Mexico, one of the host nations, he aims to join their player pool.

The final decision now rests with football’s world governing body. If approved, he will be eligible for selection by the Mexican national team.

FAQs

**Why can this player switch national teams?**
FIFA rules allow a player to change national federations once if they have played in only a few senior matches, and all were in friendlies. The player must also have held the nationality of the new country at the time of their previous caps.

How many times did he play for the US?
He made three appearances for the United States Men’s National Team. All three matches were official friendly games.

What happens next in the process?
The request has been submitted to FIFA for review. The organization must grant approval before the player is officially eligible to be selected to play for the Mexican national team.