Alex Zendejas makes a late push for a World Cup spot
The winger was América’s best player in Sunday’s quarter final return leg, scoring two goals and adding an assist in the 3-3 draw against Pumas.
Alex Zendejas isn’t letting go of his World Cup dream. At 28, the Club América winger is still fighting for a place on Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. Men’s National Team roster — and on Sunday, he delivered the kind of performance that forces a coach to take notice.
If América had any chance of advancing in the series, it was largely because of Zendejas. The U.S. international contributed two goals and an assist, and he never shied away despite the pressure and tough conditions.
In Mexico, many still lament his decision to represent the Stars and Stripes. They see him as a difference‑maker — everyone except, so far, Pochettino. But Zendejas hopes Sunday’s showcase might shift the coach’s thinking.
Former U.S. World Cup midfielder Hugo Pérez even chimed in on X, writing: “Zendejas is very good — they should consider him for the World Cup.”
Zendejas has been shining for the USMNT
Over his last five appearances with the national team, Zendejas has scored four goals and added an assist. But his limited minutes under Pochettino could be the biggest obstacle to making the final roster.
Since Pochettino took over, Zendejas has logged just 139 minutes across six matches — only one of them as a starter. That lone start came in September 2025, when he scored a stunning goal against Japan.
“At this level of performance, he’s in the race for the World Cup,” Pochettino said at the time. But after that September international window, Zendejas was never called up again. Now the question is whether his late surge will be enough.
The competition is fierce
Zendejas faces stiff competition at his position, especially from Christian Pulisic, the face of the USMNT, and Timothy Weah, another established starter. Zendejas may be in better form right now, but Pulisic and Weah remain near‑automatic selections.
US Soccer will announce its World Cup roster on Tuesday, May 26, during a nationally televised event from New York City at 8 p.m. ET.
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