Mexico’s national team boss Diego Cocca is signaling a clear ambition: Alejandro Zendejas should be part of the 2026 World Cup project. Cocca has wasted no time making his presence felt across Mexican football arenas, watching the team closely and evaluating potential fits for a long, demanding cycle that culminates in the next World Cup.
The appointment of Cocca, an Argentine coach with championship pedigree, has already sparked changes inside the camp. His approach centers on correcting past missteps and laying a stable foundation for a squad that can compete at the highest level when the world gathers in 2026. Zendejas, a talent who shone brightly for the Eagles at times, found himself briefly sidelined by previous management despite demonstrating high-level ability with the club side in Mexico.
Zendejas, who holds dual Mexican and American links, has been a focal point in discussions about the composition of the national team. Recently, he was invited to a January camp by the United States program, with interim head coach Anthony Hudson guiding the sessions. Those exchanges were reportedly part of an ongoing dialogue between Zendejas and both national programs as Cocca weighs potential moves for the long-term plan. Yet insiders close to the process indicate Cocca’s growing interest in securing Zendejas for Mexico’s senior team, laying groundwork for a possible switch when the time is right.
For Zendejas to be officially eligible for Mexico in FIFA competitions, he would need to complete the one-time switch. This process would involve a formal declaration to FIFA signaling his decision to represent Mexico rather than his previous national team, ensuring he can participate in official matches going forward. The implications are significant: a confirmed switch would add a dynamic, versatile winger to Mexico’s squad pool, potentially strengthening options on both flanks and in attack.
This strategic centerpiece comes as part of a broader national team evolution aimed at sprinting into the next World Cup cycle with renewed confidence. The ongoing conversations underscore Cocca’s intent to blend proven performers with emerging talents, crafting a balanced mix that can adapt across different tactical setups and competition formats.
As Mexico continues to map its route to 2026, the focus remains on assembling a group capable of competing at the pinnacle of world football. Zendejas’ status within the discussions reflects the seriousness with which Cocca views his piece of the puzzle. The player’s openness to the opportunity, combined with his demonstrated ability at club level, adds a compelling layer to the potential national team equation. The road to 2026 is long, and the decisions made in the coming months will help define how Mexico positions itself on the world stage. [Citation]