Undoubtedly, Mexico face the biggest challenge in their history as hosts of the 2026 World Cup alongisde the United States and Canada. That’s why there’s no time to lose for Diego Cocca and the recruitment process has already started. Any young star who can legally play for Mexico is under consideration.

One of those names is Alejandro Zendejas. The 25-year old midfielder has been sensational in Liga MX with Club America, but, he has publicly said his intentions are to play for the United States. However, in a major twist plot, Mexico still have a chance to convince him.

Alejandro Zendejas and his final decision to play for United States orMexico

Last January, Anthony Hudson, the USMNT interim coach after the departure of Gregg Berhalter, decided to call Alejandro Zendejas for a mini camp to start the new process toward the 2026 World Cup. During that period, the midfielder played 90 minutes in a friendly against Serbia before returning to America.

In a very important detail, Alejandro Zendejas hasn’t played an official match with the USMNT and that opens the door for Mexico to sneak in. He has played in youth categories at international competitions, but those weren’t Class A. When everyone thought Zendejas had made up his mind, Diego Cocca confirmed that he has yet to make a decision.

“In the case of Alejandro Zendejas, I’ve talked personally twice with him. The first one to inform him that our intentions are for him to be with us and the second one to let him know that today he’s not eligible. He has to sign a paper (One Time Switch) to be on Mexico’s national team. I told him that it’s entirely his decision. We clearly let him know the timeline for a decision.”

However, according to a report from Gibran Araige of TUDN, Alejandro Zendejas has already made a decision. Though the last offer from Mexico was very attractive, the midfielder feels committed to the USMNT. Nevertheless, even with this information, there’s nothing yet official.

The moment to know Alejandro Zendejas’ final decision is really close. Both, Mexico and the USMNT, have official matches in the Concacaf Nations League on March. So, in the next few days, the rosters for both squads will be announced and the choice of Zendejas will be public and permanent. No turning back.

Though the victoriesdidn’t came in the first weeks, the truth is America are still undefeated after five matches. They are one of the best attacks in Liga MX with 12 goals scored only behind the reigning champions, Pachuca.

However, America just suffered a huge blow against Santos Laguna considering a key player might be sidelined for several weeks. Read here to find out what happened in Clausura 2023.

America might lose key player for several weeks with injury

Alejandro Zendejas had a tear in his right leg during the first half of the match between America and Santos Laguna in Torreon. The 24-year old midfielder left the field on a strecther with visible pain after his muscular problem.

In minute 16′, Alejandro Zendejas tried to help teammate Emilio Lara on defense and, on that sprint, he felt pain in the right leg and fell to the ground. He immediately asked for medical assistance.

A few days ago, Alejandro Zendejas had extra load of work when he traveled to the USMNT minicamp. He even played 90 minutes in the friendly match against Serbia. The final medical diagnosis will be revealed on Monday, but, according to the first reports, Alejandro Zendejas could miss at least four weeks.