Striker Ricardo Pepi (from San Elizario) and Juarez-born winger Alejandro Zendejas continue in their respective roles with the United States in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The United States plays Australia at 1 p.m MT/2 p.m. CT on Friday, June 19, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.
The United States defeated Paraguay, 4-1, in its World Cup opener on June 12.
Ricardo Pepi makes debut in 2026 World Cup opener
Pepi came off the bench in the second half for Folarin Balogun, who scored twice, marking his World Cup debut for the United States.
Ricardo Pepi featured in Fortune article
Pepi’s rise from humble beginnings to World Cup player was featured recently in an article on https://fortune.com and reporter Preston Fore.
The article talked about the many sacrifices Pepi’s father, Daniel Pepi, and mother and Annette Pepi, made for him to achieve his dreams.
Alejandro Zendejas waiting for World Cup debut
Zendejas did not play in the World Cup opener vs. Paraguay.
Ricardo Pepi US soccer player
The 23-year-old San Elizario native rose through the FC Dallas Academy after joining at 13 and made his senior debut at 16 in 2019. He spent three seasons as the club’s starting striker before moving to Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, followed by a loan to FC Groningen in the Netherlands.
He signed with PSV Eindhoven in 2023 for $9.8 million and helped the club win the 2023–24 Eredivisie title, scoring 16 goals in 26 appearances this season.
Pepi was left off the U.S. roster for the 2022 World Cup, making this his first appearance in the tournament. He has one assist in three recent friendlies with the national team.
Where is Ricardo Pepi from?
Pepi is from San Elizario, Texas, In El Paso County.
Ricardo Pepi age
Pepi is 23 years old.
Alejandro Zendejas background
The 28-year-old Zendejas grew up on the West side of El Paso, having been born in Juarez, and attended Hornedo Middle School when he was called up to the FC Dallas Academy as a 13-year-old in 2012.
He worked his way up to the senior club, and when he made his FC Dallas debut in 2015 at 17, he was the youngest player in MLS. He joined Guadalajara Chivas of Mexico’s Liga MX in 2016 and played there for four years before joining Necaxa in 2020–2021.
He was at Club America the next year and has been there ever since.
Growing up, he played on both Mexican and American age-group national teams before making a full-time commitment to the USMNT in 2023.
In 12 matches for America this year, he had six goals and four assists. He subbed on in the friendly against Senegal on May 31, his only USMNT appearance in the recent three-match friendly window.
He worked his way up to the senior club, and when he made his FC Dallas debut in 2015 at 17, he was the youngest player in MLS.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: US soccer game today: El Paso’s Ricardo Pepi, USMNT vs Australia
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
