Brian Gutiérrez Commits to USMNT over Mexico, Citing Sense of Belonging

Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutiérrez has privately confirmed that he is committed to representing the United States over Mexico, despite both of his parents being Mexican. In a conversation with journalist Alex Calabrese, the 21-year-old revealed that his experiences with the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino have solidified his choice.

“I think so, yes,” Gutiérrez reportedly replied when asked if he felt more committed to the U.S. than to Mexico. “I’ve been in camp with them, in January and March. So yes.” The young playmaker has grown into a standout in MLS and is expected to be included in the preliminary roster for the upcoming Gold Cup.

The decision deals yet another blow to the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), which had shown little initiative in pursuing Gutiérrez for El Tri. His involvement in U.S. national team camps appears to have fostered a sense of belonging and direction within the Stars and Stripes setup.

With dual-national players increasingly becoming focal points in CONCACAF recruitment battles, Gutiérrez now joins a growing list of U.S.-born talents with Mexican heritage choosing to represent the U.S. on the international stage.