Álvaro Fidalgo Now Eligible for Mexico — Decision and Possible Call-Up Still Pending

Álvaro “Maguito” Fidalgo has officially met FIFA’s eligibility requirements to represent the Mexican National Team after completing five consecutive years of residence in Mexico as of February 2, 2026. Although the midfielder obtained Mexican citizenship last year, FIFA rules require naturalized players to fulfill the residency period before being allowed to change federations — a process that must be initiated by the player himself.

With that milestone now reached, the path is clear from Fidalgo’s side if he chooses to begin the formal paperwork to represent El Tri. However, uncertainty remains regarding the national team’s plans, as head coach Javier Aguirre has yet to call him up despite growing expectations around his potential inclusion.

Complicating matters further is Fidalgo’s recent move from Club América to Real Betis. Because the Iceland match does not fall on an official FIFA international window, the Spanish club is not required to release him. As a result, a potential debut could be postponed until March, when Mexico is scheduled to face Portugal in the reopening of Estadio Azteca and Belgium three days later in Chicago — fixtures that may mark the next realistic chance for his long-awaited introduction to the national team setup.

While there is no official confirmation regarding a call-up, the agent’s comments have fueled optimism among supporters who believe the midfielder could add quality and balance to Mexico’s midfield in the coming years.

For now, Fidalgo’s national team future remains unresolved, but the latest update has renewed discussion about his potential role in Mexico’s long-term project.