Brian Gutiérrez grew up on the South Side of Chicago, but his football journey has taken him far from home — all the way to becoming a central figure in Mexico's World Cup campaign.

The midfielder's path from the streets of Chicago to Chivas and onto the international stage represents one of the more compelling stories surrounding Mexico heading into the tournament.

Gutiérrez, who was raised in the United States, has committed his international future to Mexico, and he has repaid that faith by establishing himself as a key contributor to the side's World Cup ambitions.