As the USMNT sealed back-to-back victories over Paraguay and Australia to storm into the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, one man could only look on from the substitutes' bench. Alex Zendejas has yet to kick a ball at this tournament, but the Club América star insists he is ready when his moment arrives. “I’m sure it’ll come,” the 28-year-old said, with a dead-rubber group finale against Turkey offering the perfect stage for his debut.
Zendejas's Unique Path to the USMNT
Born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, but raised in El Paso, Texas, Zendejas’s international allegiance was a tug-of-war for years. He represented the United States at youth level before switching to Mexico’s under-23 side, only to file a one-time switch back to the US in 2021. Since then, he has become a regular in the Club América first team, his electric wing play earning him a shock call-up to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for this tournament.
The decision to commit to the nation he grew up supporting was not taken lightly, but it has been vindicated by this World Cup selection. “I felt American in my heart, and I wanted to fight for this jersey,” he told The Guardian. “Now I’m here, and I’m going to make the most of it.”
Watching from the Sidelines as US Clinch Knockout Berth
While the US ran out 3-1 winners over Paraguay and edged Australia 2-0, Zendejas remained an unused substitute in both contests. Pochettino has preferred the experience of Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah on the flanks, leaving the América man to bide his time.
“Of course I want to play, but the team is winning and that’s what matters,” Zendejas said. “I’m learning every day in training, and I know my opportunity will come.”
At an open training session before the Paraguay match, Club América jerseys were the best-represented club shirts among fans seeking autographs—a sign of the affection in which he is held by the Mexican football community, even as he represents their rivals.
The Turkey Match: A Golden Opportunity
With qualification already secured, Thursday’s clash with Turkey is effectively a dead rubber for the US. Pochettino has hinted at rotation, and Zendejas is expected to start. His direct running, quick feet, and ability to cut inside onto his left foot could give the US a different dimension in attack.
“He has been very professional and patient,” Pochettino said. “Alex deserves his chance, and I am confident he will show what he can do.”
For Zendejas, it is a chance to state his case for a role in the knockout rounds. “I’m not nervous—I’m excited,” he said. “Every minute at a World Cup is special. I’m going to enjoy it and give everything for the team.”
Key Takeaways
- Alex Zendejas, a former Mexico U-23 international, chose to represent the US and made Pochettino’s World Cup squad as a surprise pick.
- He has yet to play in the group stage, watching from the bench as wins over Paraguay and Australia sent the US through.
- The dead-rubber against Turkey is set to provide a first World Cup appearance, with Pochettino expected to rotate.
- Zendejas’s Club América form earned him the call-up, and he is eager to repay the coach’s faith on the biggest stage.
- His patience and positivity underscore the competition for places in a deep US squad chasing a deep tournament run.
Quick Facts
Age: 28
Club: Club América
Position: Winger / attacking midfielder
USMNT debut: 2023
International appearances (pre-World Cup): 12 caps, 2 goals
Previous World Cup experience: None