Will Zendejas go to the World Cup? Pochettino’s doubts about the América player
The number 10 for Club América, until a few days ago, was not listed in the United States squad, but now his participation in the World Cup seems imminent.
We are one day away from Mauricio Pochettino finally unveiling the list of players who will represent the United States at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted not only in the United States, but also in Mexico and Canada. Now, the name of Club América’s number 10, Alejandro Zendejas, has once again entered the conversation.
Injuries disrupted the start of Zendejas’ 2026 Liga MX Clausura campaign, causing him to miss seven of the team’s first eight matches. However, he finished the season in outstanding form and can arguably be considered América’s best player in the playoffs, despite the club ultimately falling to Pumas in the quarter-finals. The 28-year-old scored in the first leg and then delivered two goals and an assist in the second leg, beating Keylor Navas in goal.
Doubts surrounding his participation in the 2026 World Cup emerged after Mauricio Pochettino left the Club América winger out of the last two friendlies against Belgium and Portugal during the April FIFA window, opting instead for Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman as his primary options out wide. However, that is precisely where Alejandro Zendejas thrives, making him a valuable alternative for the Argentine manager. As mentioned, he recently scored three goals across two matches against a world-class goalkeeper such as Keylor Navas in the Liga MX knockout rounds, showcasing qualities that are impossible to ignore.
“The fact that players aren’t on this list doesn’t mean they don’t have a chance of making the final squad, and the players who are in this squad can’t think their place is guaranteed. It’s not the last chance; opportunities are still open for the final list. I know Zendejas very well, and I know he can adapt well to the group dynamics,” Pochettino said during the last FIFA international break.
Now, with the final USMNT roster set to be revealed tomorrow, Alejandro Zendejas is expected to be among the 26 players selected by Pochettino. Major outlets such as The Guardian and The Athletic have already reported that the Club América forward is likely to make the squad, so it appears to be only a matter of hours before the Coapa star begins preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
28-year-old Club América attacker Alejandro Zendejas is World Cup bound for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT.
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) May 24, 2026
One of the most dangerous forwards in all of Liga MX.
He's played just 139 minutes in 6 appearances for the USMNT under Pochettino.
Big opportunity 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/uqjtzgFG3Z
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