USMNT's Alex Zendejas Awaits His World Cup Opportunity Against Turkey

Alex Zendejas has watched from the sideline as his USMNT teammates powered through Paraguay and Australia to clinch their group. The Club América star, a surprise inclusion in Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad, has yet to see a single minute of action. But with the US already through to the knockout stage, the final group fixture against Turkey offers a perfect chance for Zendejas to finally get his World Cup debut.

The Dual-National's Journey

Zendejas, 28, is a coveted dual-national who grew up in the United States but was born in Mexico and has spent most of his professional career there. His decision to represent the US over Mexico raised eyebrows, especially among American fans eager to see what he could bring. At the USMNT's open training before the Paraguay match, the crowd was dotted with Club América jerseys — a testament to his club popularity and the hope that he'll soon be a factor on the international stage.

Waiting in the Wings

The attacking midfielder has been a consistent performer for Club América in Liga MX, but breaking into a USMNT roster already packed with attacking talent — including Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie — is no easy task. Pochettino's decision to include Zendejas over more familiar faces was seen as a nod to versatility and tactical flexibility. So far, the manager has stuck with a lineup that clicked from the start, leaving Zendejas as an unused substitute in both wins.

A Dead-Rubber Debut

Turkey, however, presents a dead-rubber scenario. The US have already secured top spot with back-to-back wins, meaning Pochettino can afford to rotate his squad, rest key players, and give fringe men like Zendejas a runout. For the player, it's the opportunity he's been waiting for: a chance to show he belongs at this level, not just as a training-ground curiosity but as a game-changer when it matters.

What It Means

If Zendejas gets his minutes against Turkey, it could be a defining moment — not just for him, but for the USMNT's depth moving into the knockout rounds. A strong performance would give Pochettino a new weapon off the bench. For a player who chose the US over Mexico, making an impact at a World Cup would validate that decision in the most public way possible. All eyes will be on the lineup when the US face Turkey.