Emerging Talents: Ledezma and Gutiérrez Join Mexico’s National Team

In a significant development for dual-nationals Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez, both players have received their first call-ups to Mexico’s senior national team ahead of non-FIFA date friendlies against Panama on January 22 and Bolivia on January 25.

Prior to this, the Chivas teammates had represented the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) at various levels. Their recent inclusion in El Tri suggests a potential shift in allegiance ahead of the World Cup opener against South Africa on June 11.

To secure their positions for the World Cup under manager Javier Aguirre, both players must complete a one-time switch, as stipulated by FIFA regulations for transferring federations. A source confirmed to ESPN that Ledezma is preparing to file this switch, while Gutiérrez has expressed his intent to represent Mexico moving forward, although details on his process remain unclear.

Their recent move to Liga MX giants Chivas has intensified speculation regarding their national team allegiance, as the club mandates Mexican citizenship for its players. Nonetheless, Chivas has a history of fielding players who represent various national teams outside of Mexico.

Due to the timing of the friendlies, the 27-man roster lacks several high-profile European-based players, including Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), and Julián Araujo (Celtic). Instead, the squad consists entirely of Liga MX representatives, alongside Seattle Sounders’ Obed Vargas, a dual-national and former U.S. youth international, making his return to El Tri after earning his second cap last November.

In addition to Ledezma and Gutiérrez, several other players are vying for their first senior international appearances, including Eduardo Aguila (Atlético San Luis), Everardo Lopez (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), and Kevin Castañeda (Club Tijuana). Notably, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora from Club Tijuana also joins the roster, presenting another opportunity for the young talent to shine after his impressive performances for Mexico in 2025.

Here is the full Mexico roster for the January friendlies:

**Goalkeepers:** Ángel Malagón (América); Raúl Rangel (Chivas); Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna).

**Defenders:** Richard Ledezma (Chivas); Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul); Víctor Guzmán (Monterrey); Israel Reyes (América); Ramón Juárez (América); Eduardo Águila (Atlético de San Luis); Everardo López (Toluca); Jesús Gallardo (Toluca); Bryan González (Chivas).

**Midfielders:** Luis Romo (Chivas); Erik Lira (Cruz Azul); Denzell García (FC Juárez); Diego Lainez (Tigres); Roberto Alvarado (Chivas); Iker Fimbres (Monterrey); Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul); Kevin Castañeda (Xolos); Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders); Marcel Ruiz (Toluca); Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas); Gilberto Mora (Xolos).

**Forwards:** Ángel Sepúlveda (Chivas); Germán Berterame (Monterrey); Armando González (Chivas).