Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun’s decision to switch international allegiance from England to the United States has been approved by Fifa.
Balogun previously played for England Under-21 but pulled out of the squad in March due to injury.
He will not participate in the next European Under-21 Championship.
A Fifa spokesperson told BBC Sport: “Player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun’s change of association from England to the United States has been approved.”
Balogun has scored 19 Ligue 1 goals in 34 appearances for Reims this season.
Speaking to the official US Soccer website, Balogun said the decision was “a no-brainer” and he felt “at home”.
Balogun said, “When I broke the news to my family, they were all over the moon, especially my mum. She said, ‘What took you so long?
“Representing the United States means a lot, more than people realize. I’m very proud and honored to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything for our team to succeed.”
He previously said he would be open to representing Nigeria but decided to become available for the United States – a choice he was entitled to make having failed to win a senior cap in England.
