sports
Midfielder Raised in Chicago Starts for Mexico at World Cup
Brian Gutiérrez, who grew up playing in Chicago, started for Mexico in its World Cup opener. The 22-year-old midfielder previously appeared for the United States at senior level before joining Chivas.
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Midfielder Brian Gutiérrez started for Mexico in a 2-0 win over South Africa during the team's opening match at the World Cup. Gutiérrez said he grew up in Chicago playing street soccer with friends and family from various communities. He credited the experience with shaping his approach to the game.
Raised in a household connected to Jalisco, Gutiérrez was developed through the Chicago Fire academy rather than a Mexican club system. He made two senior appearances for the United States in 2025 before signing with Chivas. The midfielder said his parents were the first people he contacted after learning of his selection for Mexico's squad.
He described the move to Chivas as opening a path tied to both his professional career and personal identity. Chivas has drawn other Mexican-American players in recent years under rules that previously required commitment to the Mexico national team.
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