EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar honored the two El Pasoans playing for the U.S. team at the FIFA World Cup ahead of their first game Friday. <\/p>\n
Escobar, who is a member of the Congressional Soccer Caucus<\/a>, said the Borderland is proud of Ricardo Pepi– born in El Paso and raised in San Elizario– and Alejandro “Alex” Zendejas– born in Ciudad Juarez but raised in El Paso– representing the U.S. on soccer’s biggest stage.<\/p>\n RELATED: El Paso mom celebrates son Alex Zendejas’ journey to the 2026 World Cup<\/a><\/p>\n Below are Escobar’s remarks as submitted to the Congressional Record<\/a>:<\/p>\n Ahead of the U.S. Men\u2019s National Team (USMNT) playing their first game of the 2026 Men\u2019s World Cup tomorrow, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) submitted remarks to the Congressional Record honoring Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro \u201cAlex\u201d Zendejas for their selection on the USMNT.Below is a transcript of her submitted remarks. They can be 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 \u201cAlex\u201d Zendejas, two stars in professional and international soccer, for being selected as part of the U.S. Men\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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 \u2013 and the entire Men\u2019s National Team \u2013 nothing but the best of luck.<\/p>\n