CHICAGO (Oct. 9, 2023) - As the FIFA international window approaches, Chicago Fire FC has five players representing their respective countries. Midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri joined the Switzerland Men’s National Team, while defender Miguel Navarro, and midfielder Gastón Giménez joined the Venezuela Men’s National Team and the Paraguay Men’s National Team, respectively. Additionally, Homegrowns Brian Gutiérrez and Chris Brady were called in to represent the U.S. U-23 Men’s Youth National Team.
Shaqiri has been called to the Switzerland Men’s National Team for Matchday 7 and 8 of the EURO 2024 qualifiers. Switzerland’s Matchday 7 contest against Israel was scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 12 but was postponed by FIFA and will be played at a future date yet to be determined. La Nati will host Belarus on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. CT at Kybunpark in St. Gallen, Switzerland. As it currently stands, Switzerland sits at the top of Group I with 14 points, having gone undefeated in group stage play with a record of 4-0-2.
Navarro has joined his home country of Venezuela for a second consecutive international window, as they continue their run in FIFA World Cup qualifying for the World Cup that will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Venezuela resumes qualifying play against Brazil on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. CT at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, Brazil. The following week, the Vinotinto will host Chile on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. CT at Estadio Monumental de Maturín in Maturín, Venezuela.
Giménez, who has been called into camp for the first time since 2021, will represent Paraguay during the FIFA international break. Paraguay will continue their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Argentina on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. CT at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Caba, Argentina. The following week, Paraguay will be hosting Bolivia on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay.
Gutiérrez and Brady will represent the U-23 U.S. Men’s Youth National Team in a trifecta of international friendlies in preparation for the 2024 Olympics. Their opening contest will take place against Mexico on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m. CT at Phoenix Rising Stadium in Phoenix, Ariz. Six days later, the Americans will play host to Japan on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 p.m. CT at the Phoenix Rising Stadium.
