Mexico National Team Secures Victory with New Talent

PANAMA CITY, Panama — American-born players Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez made their debuts for the Mexico national team, contributing to a much-needed 1-0 win against Panama in a warmup match for this year’s World Cup.

The match concluded dramatically when defender Richard Peralta scored an own goal in the 92nd minute, marking Mexico’s first victory since last July’s Gold Cup final against the United States.

Ledezma, who was born in Phoenix to Mexican parents, successfully completed a one-time switch with FIFA after having participated in official matches for the United States. He played the full 90 minutes in this match.

Gutiérrez, born in Berwyn, Illinois, did not need to apply for a country switch as he had only appeared in friendlies for the U.S. against Venezuela and Costa Rica in January 2025. “Those were good minutes, I’m taking it one step at a time, and now I’ll continue to grow,” Gutiérrez remarked.

Also debuting was Obed Vargas, born in Anchorage, Alaska, who started the match alongside Ledezma and Gutiérrez.

Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, expressed his respect for the three players, stating, “Those three guys that were born in the United States and decided to play for Mexico deserve my respect. They started off well; they’re kids with a future, and I’m happy.”

Vargas earned his first cap with the Mexico senior team in October 2024 when he made a substitute appearance against the United States in a 2-0 victory.