On Wednesday, FIFA confirmed a one-time transfer for winger Marcelo Flores from Mexico to Canada, making the 22-year-old eligible for selection by coach Jesse Marsch for the upcoming World Cup this summer.
This change was disclosed on FIFA’s Change of Association Platform and solidifies Canada’s recent initiative to include Flores, who had received an unofficial call-up as a training player last November. In January, the Arsenal academy graduate was also summoned by Marsch but could not participate due to the pending completion of his association change.
Flores had previously experienced a tug-of-war between the two nations, having initially pledged his allegiance to Mexico after debuting in 2021, but he has not played for the senior national team since 2022.
Born in Canada, Flores is also eligible to represent Mexico through his father. He concludes his tenure with El Tri having earned three caps while embarking on a new international journey with Canada, aiming for a potential World Cup selection.
Currently playing in Liga MX for Tigres, he has made a strong start to the season with three goals and an assist in his first seven matches of 2026. Prior to joining Tigres in 2023, he was on loan from Arsenal to Real Oviedo for the 2022 season.
With only a few months remaining before the World Cup begins, Flores will now strive for selection by Marsch for Canada’s upcoming friendlies against Iceland on March 28 and Tunisia on March 31.
Additionally, FIFA’s Change of Association Platform recently noted a transfer for Real Betis’ Álvaro Fidalgo from Spain to Mexico last week.
