US Soccer confirms Club America forward Alejandro Zendejas has committed to playing for the USMNT after fears the dual-national could depart for rivals Mexico
- Alejandro Zendejas is committing to play for the United States going forward
- Zendejas was born in Mexico's Ciudad Juarez, but grew up in El Paso, Texas
- Click here for all your latest international Sports news from DailyMail.com
Club America forward Alejandro 'Alex' Zendejas has committed to playing for the United States men's national team going forward.
The dynamic 25-year-old winger is a Mexican-American dual national who played for American youth teams in the past - but did not reveal his intentions to commit to one nation or another until now.
This revelation comes a day before USMNT interim manager Anthony Hudson is set to announce his squad for two upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches at the end of March.
His inclusion in two friendlies for the Mexico national team back in 2021 and 2022 caused a stir - eventually causing problems for the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).
The USMNT announced the decision on their Twitter account - which Zendejas confirmed on his social as well.
![Winger Alejandro Zendejas is officially committing to play for the USMNT going forward](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/03/14/16/68693779-0-image-a-22_1678809829725.jpg)
Winger Alejandro Zendejas is officially committing to play for the USMNT going forward
'I am very proud of being Mexican American,' Zendejas began. 'Values from both cultures have made me the person I am today. I've had the privilege of experiencing life in two countries.
'I'm very grateful for all the opportunities the United States and Mexico have provided to me and my family. Making a decision on your international career is very difficult, and I believe in following your heart. Mine tells me that my future lies representing the USA.
'I'm excited for this next chapter and earning my place with the USMNT. Thank you to everyone for the incredible support.'
The Ciudad Juarez-born Zendejas moved to the city directly across the border - El Paso, Texas - at a young age, where he eventually joined up with the FC Dallas academy.
As a teenager, Zendejas joined up with the United States' U-15 and U-17 teams - taking part in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
Following his appearances for the Americans, he played in one match in 2017 for the Mexico U-21s and three matches in 2021 for the Mexico U-23s. He also played in two international friendly matches for the senior team.
However, in late August of 2022, FIFA began investigating the FMF in regard to Zendejas' call-ups, despite the two friendlies being non-FIFA regulated matches.
After the investigation, FIFA determined Zendejas played for Mexico illegally, after failing to file a one-time switch in order to change allegiances.
![The Club America midfielder's appearances for Mexico generated controversy and led to punishment for the FMF after he failed to switch national allegiances to play for El Tri](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/03/14/16/68693781-0-image-a-32_1678809930107.jpg)
The Club America midfielder's appearances for Mexico generated controversy and led to punishment for the FMF after he failed to switch national allegiances to play for El Tri
![Zendejas was called up to the USMNT in January & made his debut against Serbia in a friendly](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/03/14/16/68693785-0-image-a-33_1678809932714.jpg)
Zendejas was called up to the USMNT in January & made his debut against Serbia in a friendly
As a result, in January the FMF was ordered to forfeit the three U-23 games Zendejas played and the two friendlies and pay a fine of nearly $11,000.
Zendejas was called up by Hudson in his January camp and played in the first match before returning to Mexico City to play for his club.
He played for all 90 minutes of a 2-1 loss to Serbia in Los Angeles back in late January and then missed the following match against Colombia.
Prior to the announcement today, Zendejas could still have applied for a one-time switch to join Mexico.
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