U-17 World Cup: How Many Mexicans Will Play for Other Teams?

The U-17 World Cup has officially kicked off in Qatar, bringing with it excitement and anticipation. Among the participating teams, several young talents of Mexican descent will represent other nations. There are seven players that were once associated with Mexican football but will now play for Canada, El Salvador, and the United States.

Players with Dual Nationalities

These athletes have chosen to compete internationally for different reasons, despite their ties to Mexico. Notably, only six of the seven players will participate, as one faced a last-minute injury.

• Antone Bossenberry – A rising star with Toronto FC, he was born in Canada and also holds Mexican nationality through his mother. Originally listed as a substitute, he has joined the Canadian squad due to injuries among teammates.
• Azyk Gómez – A defender for El Salvador, he was born in the U.S. but has Mexican and Salvadoran citizenship. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury just before the tournament, preventing his participation.
• Diego Mejía – This midfielder from Santos is another player of Mexican descent with Salvadoran nationality. Although he trains with one of Mexico’s clubs, he has yet to be called up by the Mexican youth squads.
• Jude Terry – A player for LAFC, Jude has a complex background, holding citizenship from the U.S., Mexico (through grandparents), Argentina (via his father), and Italy. He participated in the U-15 team for Mexico but opted to play for the U.S. instead.
• Juan Giovanni Villa – Known for his versatility as a lateral player, he was called up by Mexico in 2022 but chose to represent the U.S. in this tournament.
• Enrique Martínez (Kike) – A defender central to LA Galaxy’s plans, Kike has previously represented both Mexico and the U.S. He did not respond to calls from that Mexican national team during the qualification process.
• Cooper Sánchez – Born in the U.S. with Mexican and Spanish roots, Cooper has opted to play exclusively for the United States despite his Mexican heritage.

Group Stage Challenges

The players representing other countries will face formidable competition. Here’s a look at their group stage rivals:

The presence of these players adds an intriguing layer to the tournament. They embody the complex identity of modern football, reflecting diverse backgrounds while showcasing their talent on a global stage. Fans will be watching closely to see how these individuals perform as they represent their chosen countries in pursuit of glory.