A Tale of Two Texans
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and the United States men’s national team is pinning its hopes on a new generation of talent that could finally break the long‑standing barrier to a championship.
Among the players set to make a splash are forward Ricardo Pepi and winger Alejandro Zendejas, both of whom have traversed unconventional paths from modest Texas towns to the European elite.
Pepi was born in San Elizario, a small community just outside El Paso, to parents Daniel and Annette Pepi, who left their native Mexico in search of better opportunities and poured every spare dollar into their son’s soccer dreams.
After rising through the FC Dallas Academy, Pepi made his senior debut at 16 in 2019, later moving to Europe where he starred for FC Augsburg, FC Groningen and, most recently, PSV Eindhoven, helping the Dutch side capture the 2023‑24 Eredivisie title with 16 goals in 26 appearances.
His World Cup debut came in the group stage against Paraguay, where he entered in the second half, marking the culmination of a journey that was once chronicled in a Fortune.com feature on his rise from humble beginnings.
Zendejas, born in Juarez, grew up on the West side of El Paso and honed his skills at Hornedo Middle School before joining the FC Dallas Academy at 13, becoming the youngest MLS player at 17.
His professional résumé includes stints at Guadalajara Chivas and Necaxa before a high‑profile move to Club America, where he has contributed six goals and four assists in 12 matches this season, and a recent friendly appearance against Senegal on May 31.
Now, with the U.S. set to face Australia in a crucial opening match, both players are poised to showcase the experience they have gathered abroad and the tenacity that defined their upbringing in West Texas.