After playing one game for the United States, defender Julian Araujo has been cleared to change his national eligibility to Mexico, FIFA said on 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. - Don't have ESPN? Get instant access
- ESPN+ viewers' guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more Araujo, who is from Lompoc, Calif., previously represented the U.S. at age-group levels through the Under-23 team. In March, he played for the U.S. U23 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. "My heart is with Mexico," Araujo said in a statement on Tuesday. "I'm grateful for every opportunity that U.S. Soccer has provided me to help me grow as a soccer player and now I am excited to continue my international career with Mexico." Mexico faces the U.S. in their 2022 World Cup quaIification group on Nov. 12 in Cincinnati.
|