Rayados Stays Atop Concacaf Ranking; Will Germán Berterame Play for Mexico?

CF Monterrey remains atop the Concacaf region in the federation’s latest rankings. Despite losing in the semifinals of Leagues Cup 2023, the Mexican clubs didn’t move down.

What likely played in Rayados’ favor is being the only Liga MX club to reach the tournament’s semifinals. Nonetheless, winning the league title this 2023 Apertura campaign and the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup can further aid Monterrey in holding the top spot. 

How’s the rest of the ranking finishing out? Club América stays at the No. 2 position. Meanwhile, Tigres UNAL moved up one spot to No. 3, and Club León dropped to No. 4. Finally, Club Toluca moved up two places to No. 5. The most significant jump was made by MLS side Nashville SC, who moved five spots into the top 10.

Could Germán Berterame be the next naturalized player for Mexico?

Right now, the topic of naturalized players for El Tri is again due to América’s Julián Quiñones. The Colombian international is partaking in the training sessions as Mexico looks to prepare for the upcoming friendly games against Australia and Uzbekistan. 

According to a recent report, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) organized a way in which Quiñones could take part without breaking any FIFA regulations, as he has not officially been called to the squad.

However, Quiñones might not be the only player who could be naturalized ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. TNT Sports Mexico’s Raoul Ortiz reports that Germán Berterame would be targeted by the national team so that, after being naturalized, he can play for Jaime Lozano’s team.

Furthermore, the Rayados player was the desire of the FMF since former manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino led Mexico. If Berterame decides to go with the process, he will join Guillermo Franco and Rogelio Funes Mori. Both Monterrey players were naturalized and played for Mexico.