Congresswoman Escobar Honors Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro “Alex” Zendejas in U.S. House of Representatives

Ahead of the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) playing their first game of the 2026 Men's World Cup tomorrow, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) submitted remarks to the Congressional Record honoring Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro "Alex" Zendejas for their selection on the USMNT.

Below is a transcript of her submitted remarks. They can also be found here in the Congressional Record on page E562:

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, I rise today to honor Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro "Alex" Zendejas, two stars in professional and international soccer, for being selected as part of the U.S. Men's National Team for the 2026 World Cup.

Mr. Pepi, born in El Paso and raised in San Elizario, made a name for himself at FC Dallas where he won MLS Young Player of the Year in 2021 before moving abroad to Europe. He is now a cornerstone of PSV Eindhoven.

Mr. Zendejas, born in neighboring Ciudad Juarez and raised in El Paso, has had an incredible career playing for some of Liga MX's biggest clubs like Chivas and Club America, where he's a staple today.

So many young athletes and their families sacrifice immensely to perfect their craft with the dream of one day playing professionally. I hope each of you are proud of your accomplishments and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent our country on the world's biggest stage.

El Paso is very proud of you.

Thank you both for making our community and our country proud. I wish each of you - and the entire Men's National Team - nothing but the best of luck.