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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Colorado Rapids 2 midfielder Jonny De La Fuente has been named to the Mexico U-17 Men’s National Team for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, the federation announced. De La Fuente joined the group for their training camp in Mexico City from November 1 to 4 before being named to the final roster for the tournament.
Receiving his fifth call-up within the Mexican youth national team system in the last year, De La Fuente is continuing his role as a mainstay in his country’s national team for his age group. The midfielder’s most recent call-up to the U-17 side came for the Vertex Cup in London, held from late September to early October. Mexico finished the tournament with two wins and a draw.
Joining the Rapids Academy two years ago, De La Fuente, 17, swiftly emerged as an influential presence within the program. A central figure in the 2009 age group, the midfielder regularly wore the captain’s armband for the U-18s last season and became a prominent fixture on the team with significant playing time.
Over the course of the past year, De La Fuente has become an integral part of Rapids 2 at the professional level, earning regular opportunities with the squad alongside multiple international call-ups. After making his professional and Rapids 2 debut on June 6, 2026, his early performances quickly secured his place in the starting lineup just three weeks later. A little over a month after his first professional appearance, the Colorado native signed his first professional contract with the club.
De La Fuente continued to make his presence felt on the field, scoring his first professional goal with Rapids 2 in a commanding 4-1 victory over Rocky Mountain rivals Real Monarchs. Despite making his debut several months into the campaign, the midfielder went on to start 12 of his 14 appearances, while also wearing the captain's armband on five occasions. He finished the season with more than 1,000 minutes played, two goals and one assist, further solidifying his role within the squad. Since then, De La Fuente received his first ever short-term call up to the First team for their match against LA Galaxy at the end of September.
