In May 2013, Brizuela revealed that he was born in San Jose, California, to Mexican parents even though he had initially reported to the FMF (Mexican Football Federation) that he was born in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco. Therefore, he was eligible to play for either the United States and Mexico. Mexico head coach José Manuel de la Torre listed Brizuela in Mexico's 35-man preliminary squad for the Gold Cup due to his good performances with Atlas. He was subsequently included in the final 23-player squad.