Julian Araujo Changes International Allegiance From USMNT to Mexico

The 20-year-old LA Galaxy fullback will play internationally for Mexico after making one appearance with the senior USMNT.

After playing one game for the United States, defender Julián Araujo has been cleared to change his national eligibility to Mexico, FIFA said Monday.

The 20-year-old LA Galaxy defender made his debut for the U.S. last December, starting at right back in a 6-0 win over El Salvador.

Araujo, who is from Lompoc, California, previously represented the U.S. at age-group levels through the Under-23 team.

In March, he played for the U.S. U-23 team against Mexico in a Tokyo Olympics qualification game. Mexico won 1-0 and eventually advanced to Tokyo, getting a bronze medal.

As a dual national with Mexican family ties, Araujo was eligible within FIFA’s rules to switch national teams and was yet to play a competitive game for the U.S. senior team.

📰 NEWS 📰

Full-back @julian__araujo's application to be able to represent 🇲🇽 has been accepted by @FIFAcom.

He'll be available for future matches. 👤⚽️#PasiónyOrgullo | #FMFporNuestroFútbol pic.twitter.com/Yj4ggSwqnV

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) October 5, 2021

Mi corazón está con México 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/zSYqontOpU

— Julian Araujo (@julian__araujo) October 5, 2021

Mexico faces the U.S. in their 2022 World Cup qualification group on Nov. 12 in Cincinnati.