Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun’s decision to switch international allegiance from England to the United States has been accepted by FIFA.
Balogun has previously played for England Under-21s but withdrew from the squad in March due to injury.
He will not play in the upcoming European Under-21 Championship.
A FIFA spokesman told BBC Sport: “The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved.”
Balogun has scored 19 Ligue 1 goals in 34 games for Reims this season.
Speaking to US Soccer’s official website, Balogun said the decision was “a no-brainer” and that he feels “at home.”
Balogun said: “When I broke the news to my family, they were all over the moon, especially my mother. She said, ‘What took you so long?’
“Representing the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I am very proud and honored to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.”
He has previously said he would be open to representing Nigeria but has decided to be available for the United States, an option he could make after failing to win an England cap.
