Can David Ruiz switch to USMNT?

Inter Miami’s mid-season turnaround was one of the stories of the year in MLS, fuelled by the arrivals of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

But aside from that trio of elite stars, Miami’s success was also built on an emerging core of young players. Benjamin Cremaschi became a regular starter, while 19-year-old defender Tomás Avilés established himself in the first team.

Young midfielder David Ruiz also made the step up to the senior team in 2023, playing 20 games across the MLS regular season. The 19-year-old was called up to the Honduran senior team in August and made his debut in September.

Ruiz returns to the Honduran team for two crucial fixtures in the November international break. Honduras have a two-legged quarter-final in the CONCACAF Nations League, taking on heavyweight opponents Mexico.

The winner will not only progress to the semi-finals, but will also secure qualification to the 2024 Copa América.

Can David Ruiz still play for the United States?

Ruiz’s parents are Honduras but, having been born in Florida, the young midfielder is eligible to play for either Honduran or American national teams. He was initially called up to represent Honduras Under-20s in October 2022, but was also included in a training camp with the United States Under-19s in early 2023.

A tug-of-war for Ruiz’s loyalties is clearly well underway. Honduras looked to have gained the upper hand in September when he featured for the senior team in a CONCACAF Nations League game against Grenada, but he could still make the switch to the US.

In 2020 FIFA changed the eligibility rules to allow players to switch allegiances to another eligible nation, provided that they were still younger than 21 and had played no more than three games.

Therefore even if Ruiz plays in both of Honduras’ upcoming games against Mexico, he could still opt to represent USMNT in future.

Ruiz connections to US and Honduras

The 19-year-old’s dilemma is typical of many promising young players with Central or South American heritage. His Inter Miami teammate Benjamin Cremaschi has a choice between Argentina and the United States. Elsewhere in the league Real Salt Lake starlet Diego Luna represents the United States at age group level, but admitted recently that he is also open to playing for Mexico.

With both USMNT and Honduras interested in securing his allegiance, the decision may well come down to Ruiz. Last month his representative Pedro Nery told Deporte Total USA that Ruiz feels a connection with both nations.

“David has sentimental attachment to both Honduras and the United States; it’s a very difficult decision because he has an interest in both and he must make the best decision. It’s emotional for him but we are very happy that he is being recognized.”