Seattle Sounders and U.S. youth international Obed Vargas has completed a one-time switch to represent Mexico.
Born in America of Mexican descent, Vargas is eligible for both countries. While the 18-year-old appeared in an official youth tournament for the United States, the 2023 Under-20 World Cup, players are still eligible to file a one-time switch. FIFA regulations introduced in September 2020 dictate that should Vargas make an international appearance for Mexico, regardless if this is at senior or junior level, he will not be able to switch his international allegiance again.
“We can confirm that a change of association request (from USA to Mexico) for Mr Obed Vargas was accepted on 21 May 2024,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic.
Vargas is a highly-rated central midfielder who came through Seattle’s academy and has already made 63 first-team appearances, playing a key role in the club winning the CONCACAF Champions League in 2022 as a 16-year-old. He has started most games for the Sounders during the 2024 season as he continues to develop.
Vargas represented the United States Under-23 side as recently as last October. Mexico has been courting Vargas strongly the last year, sources — who spoke to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity — say.
The USMNT central midfield group is packed with key players like Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Johnny Cardoso in the senior team, plus emerging young talents like Aidan Morris, Tanner Tessmann, Ben Cremaschi, Gianluca Busio and more.
(Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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