Julian Araujo is loving life at Celtic and will be hoping that it is enough to secure him a spot in Mexico’s World Cup squad.
Araujo could be a great permanent signing for Celtic if they decide they still need a right-back in the summer transfer window.
There were doubts after he was initially brought in to play under Wilfried Nancy; however, the 24-year-old has looked at home in Martin O’Neill’s system.
The 2026 World Cup will mean even more to him as Mexico are one of the three host nations alongside Canada and the USA.
In another world the right-back would be hoping to represent the USA but in reality, he was only ever going to pick Mexico.
When Alistair Johnston returns to fitness, would you pick him over Julian Araujo?
Julian Araujo wants to fulfil Mexican dream at the World Cup
Despite growing up in the US, Araujo was born into a Mexican family and therefore was inspired by the greats like Rafael Marquez.
That stuck with the Celtic loanee and following in their footsteps is the only thing he wants.
Speaking on the Celtic FC Podcast, he said: “I grew up in a Mexican household – my dream and goal was always to play at Estadio Azteca.
“I dreamed of playing with them and putting on the Mexican jersey. I never had that feeling with the US national team. I never woke up to watch a US game.
I love and respect the US, and it is a part of me, but I didn’t make the switch earlier because I didn’t have my Mexican passport.
“My dream was always set on the Mexican national team. It was a decision I made at heart. Even if I had only played one game, the feeling I had when I put on the shirt with my last name on it was something I wanted to bring home to my family.”
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Julian Araujo could play against Celtic teammates at 2026 World Cup
Mexico will kick off this year’s World Cup, and there may be the chance to come up against some of his current teammates.
Ghana and South Korea were drawn alongside them and the winner of the UEFA play-off route (Denmark, Czechia, Republic of Ireland or North Macedonia) will complete the group.
Hyunjun Yang may be selected by South Korea and then, for Denmark, Kasper Schmeichel would probably deputise in goal.
Republic of Ireland would have the likes of Liam Scales and Johnny Kenny to make it a real Hoops fest this summer.
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