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FIFA Approves Marcelo Flores’ Switch to Canada, Ending Mexico Eligibility

The 22-year-old Tigres midfielder becomes available to Jesse Marsch’s squad following the governing body’s change-of-association ruling.

Overview

  • FIFA’s Platform for Change of Association listed Marcelo Flores’ federation switch to Canada on February 11, formalizing his eligibility.
  • With the approval, Flores can play for Canada in official competitions, including potential 2026 World Cup selection, and he is no longer eligible for Mexico.
  • Mexico coach Javier Aguirre previously said Flores had chosen not to represent El Tri and expressed support for the player’s decision.
  • Flores came through Arsenal’s academy, joined Tigres in 2023, and featured for Mexico at youth level with limited senior involvement, including the 2022 Concacaf Nations League.
  • The same FIFA update also authorized other switches, notably clearing Álvaro Fidalgo to be eligible for Mexico after his recent move to Real Betis.