Alejandro Orellana

Alejandro Orellana

U.S. Staff Writer

Bio: I’m a sports journalist based in Mexico City, the chaotic heart of a country where football is a way of life. Here, I cover three of Liga MX’s biggest clubs - América, Cruz Azul, and Pumas - along with the Mexico national team, regularly reporting from Club América’s press conferences and matches. I also cover Inter Miami and especially enjoy telling the stories of Latino players making their mark in MLS. While football is my primary beat, I’ve also built a career in Olympic sports, highlighted by the honor of covering my first Olympic Games at Paris 2024.

My Football Story

Since childhood, I always knew I wanted to be a sports journalist. From listening to TV commentators’ calls to understanding the tactics and “why” behind the game, football has been a constant journey of learning. Conversations with my father, grandfather, family members, diehard fans, experts, former players, and active professionals have all shaped my perspective. In Mexico, football is lived and debated in a unique way - everyone has an opinion, and every chat brings new lessons.

Areas of Expertise

• The Mexican National Team and Mexicans playing in Europe

• Everything related to Liga MX

• On-the-ground reporting and storytelling - because I’m relentless when it comes to chasing a story.

Favorite Football Memory

As a kid, I collected every World Cup sticker album I could get my hands on. I spent countless hours reading player bios, learning about the clubs they played for, the World Cup stadiums, and the qualification journeys of each nation. Growing up, access to Europe’s top leagues was limited, but those albums introduced me to my idols - Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, Gabriel Batistuta, and many more. In the 2002 World Cup, at just six years old, I began following the Mexican National Team. With the games taking place in the early morning hours, I fell asleep and woke up to my father telling me the next day that Mexico had lost to the United States in the Round of 16 - the day the famous “dos a cero” was born.

My All-Time XI (4-4-2)

Gianluigi Buffon; Cafú, Franco Baresi, Carles Puyol, Paolo Maldini; Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane; Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazário.

Articles by Alejandro Orellana
  1. FIFA requests security briefings on Mexico following recent unrest

    FIFA is monitoring the security situation in Mexico after incidents reported across multiple states in recent hours, according to ESPN. The governing body of world football asked for internal reports detailing the developments, particularly in Guadalajara, Jalisco — one of the host cities for the World Cup and a venue set to stage matches in the intercontinental playoff tournament.

  1. Portugal reportedly concerned over Mexico's Azteca delays

    With just weeks until Mexico face Portugal in a high-profile friendly, Portuguese media report growing concern over renovation delays at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte. While organizers insist the venue will be ready for March 28, uncertainty has sparked speculation about a potential change of site for the match - and even future World Cup fixtures.

  2. 'Have to give everything' - James reveals why he choose Minnesota

    Minnesota United officially announced the signing of international star James Rodríguez, who will begin his first spell in Major League Soccer. Rodríguez will not occupy a Designated Player spot, and the deal is a short-term agreement set to run at least through the World Cup. The Colombian midfielder joins as a free agent after his contract with Liga MX side Leon expired in December.

  3. Argentina set base in Kansas City for 2026 World Cup

    Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Argentine National Team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will be based in Kansas City for much of the competition. They will play their first match of the tournament against Algeria on June 16th in the city. Although their other two matches will be in Dallas, the Albiceleste chose Kansas City for its convenient location and climate.

  4. USMNT's McKennie named Juventus’ Player of the Month

    U.S. men’s national team Weston McKennie’s standout January earned him Juventus’ Player of the Month award after scoring three goals in seven appearances. While his influence on the pitch continues to grow, contract negotiations remain unresolved, with Serie A rivals monitoring the midfielder’s situation closely.