SOCCER
Mexico and the United States have their own battle before the 2026 World Cup
The debuts of Alejandro Zendejas and Brandon Vázquez with the USMNT is a strong message to the Mexican side before the World Cup.
The United States and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup along with Canada, but they will have their own fight in the process. Players like Alejandro Zendejas, Brandon Vázquez, Jonathan Gómez and Cade Cowell saw action, but they have dual nationality and could represent either of the two countries in the next tournament.
One of the players who made his debut with the Stars and Stripes is Alejandro Zendejas. Despite not scoring, he left a pleasant taste in the mouths of both the coach Anthony Hudson and USMNT fans. Zendejas, who has shone with Club América, seems to be leaning more towards the US side than the one from Mexico.
The new players are shining
Zendejas played three games in just one week. On January 21, he scored in América’s 2-2 draw against Puebla; on Wednesday he made his debut with the US team during the defeat against Serbia, and on Saturday he started again in the Águilas 6-0 win against Mazatlán.
For his part, Vázquez, who plays for FC Cincinnati, has now enjoyed his first minutes with the national team. The attacker even scored the first goal of the year, doing it with an incredible technique, an impossible header for the Serbian goalkeeper.
The fight for the new players
The United States has taken the lead in the search for new stars for the World Cup which will be held in just over three years. However, nothing can be taken for granted, since neither of the players want to commit to their decision and they assure that they continue to analyse the team they want to represent.
“I am focussed on the present. Right now we have important games with FC Cincinnati, but I haven’t made a decision yet. The most important thing is that my family supports me whatever my decision is” assured Brandon Vázquez in the mixed zone at the end of the game against Colombia.
Jonathan Gómez and Cade Cowell are two other players who have dual nationalities. As it was a friendly match not recognised by FIFA, the United States not only took the opportunity to see MLS players, but also to convince Mexican-Americans. With three years to go, the fight has already started.
