Explore the latest developments concerning Illinois native Brian.
Illinois native Brian Gutierrez wants to have fun with Mexico national team
Editor's note: Follow Mexico vs. South Africa live updates and highlights from the 2026 World Cup opener.
MEXICO CITY — If Brian Gutierrez is overwhelmed, he isn't showing it.
The 22-year-old Illinois native is just days away from representing Mexico at the World Cup.
"I’m happy to be here. I want to support, to do things well and just want to have fun," he said in Spanish at Mexico's Centro de Alto Rendimiento before a training session on Tuesday, June 9. "It’s a dream for me, for any player who aspires to play professionally. My teammates and I are really excited, really happy to start."
Brian Gutiérrez becomes the latest MLS player to reach a rare Mexico milestone
The first match of the 2026 World Cup has ended. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, with the goals of Raul Gimenez and Julian Quiñones.
In the preview, one could imagine a dominance by the Mexican team, but not that match. South Africa seemed lost in many stages of the match, giving Mexico an advantage on both sides.
Still, the MLS was involved in the World Cup opener because Brian Gutiérrez was in the starting lineup.
The Chicago Fire prospect was part of Mexico’s starting lineup in their World Cup debut. With this, Gutiérrez becomes the first MLS Homegrown player to start the opening match of a FIFA World Cup game for Mexico since Carlos Salcedo in 2018.
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