Dual nationals Ledezma and Gutiérrez assist Mexico in ending winless run

PANAMA CITY, Panama — American-born athletes Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez made their first appearances for the Mexico national team, contributing to a 1-0 victory over Panama in a warmup match on Thursday for this year’s World Cup, thus ending a six-match winless run.

Defender Richard Peralta inadvertently scored an own goal in the 92nd minute, marking Mexico’s first victory since last July, when they triumphed over the United States in the Gold Cup final.

Ledezma, who hails from Phoenix and has Mexican heritage, completed a one-time switch with FIFA after participating in official matches for the United States. He was a starter and played the full 90 minutes.

Gutiérrez, born in Berwyn, Illinois, did not need to request a change of nationality as he had only played friendly matches for the U.S. against Venezuela and Costa Rica in January 2025.

“Those were good minutes, I’m taking it one step at a time and now I’ll continue to grow,” Gutiérrez stated.

Gutiérrez, who also started the match and exited in the 57th minute, was included in the CONCACAF Nations League roster last March but did not see any game time.

Obed Vargas, born in Anchorage, Alaska, was another starter for Mexico.

“Those three players born in the United States who chose to represent Mexico deserve my respect,” remarked Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre. “All three started well; they are young talents with potential, and I am pleased.”

Vargas, a midfielder, received his first cap with the Mexico senior team in October 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 win against the United States.