Balogun is proud and honored that his national qualification will be changed from England to the United States

2023-05-17 13:33

Balogun is proud and honored that his national qualification will be changed from England to the United States

Arsenal striker Fralin Balogun has opted to represent the United States at senior level, with FIFA on Tuesday approving a request from the U.S. Soccer Association to change the player's national qualification from England to the United States.


Balogón, who has featured on loan at Rennes in Ligue 1 this season and has represented England for the Under-21s, will now appear to be playing for the US national team, which will co-host the 2026 Men's World Cup with Mexico.


The 21 -year-old striker was born in Brooklyn but grew up in London. Balogun is also eligible to represent Nigeria in international competitions as his parents are Nigerian.


After the U.S. Soccer Association confirmed the switch, Balogun said the decision was made "without hesitation." "My family and I decided to play for the United States ," he told the US Soccer Association's website. "In the end, it became a no-brainer, but I'm sure it's something I want to do and feel right at home.


"Representing America means a lot more than people realize, and I am extremely proud and honored to have this opportunity, and I hope to do my best to be successful for our team."


Balogun's selection to represent the United States comes five weeks before England take part in the European Under-21 Championships, co-hosted by Romania and Georgia . Lee Carsley's side face Germany, Israel and the Czech Republic in Group C.


It was a win for U.S. Soccer, which fought hard to secure Balogun during their visit to Florida in March. He is expected to be part of the U.S. men's national team competing in the Gold Cup this summer.