Dual-Nationals Gutiérrez and Ledezma Switch to Mexico’s National Team

Dual nationals Brian Gutiérrez and Richard Ledezma have successfully completed their one-time switch from the United States to Mexico’s national soccer team, as confirmed by a representative from the Mexican Football Federation to ESPN.

On Tuesday, Mexico announced that “FIFA has confirmed the eligibility” of the two American-born players, who have been called up for friendly matches against Panama and Bolivia this month, indicating that their switch has been finalized.

Both Gutiérrez and Ledezma, who are teammates at Chivas, previously represented the United States at various youth and senior levels. However, they have now committed to Mexico ahead of the World Cup opener against South Africa on June 11.

To be eligible for selection by manager Javier Aguirre for the World Cup this summer, both players had to file a one-time switch, a requirement by FIFA for transferring national affiliations.

There was considerable speculation regarding whether the pair would opt to represent Mexico over the U.S. following their recent transfers to Chivas, and this was confirmed on Tuesday.

Ledezma made one appearance for the U.S. senior national team in 2020, while Gutiérrez featured in two matches in 2025. With the World Cup approaching, neither player was expected to play a significant role in U.S. Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.