AZ Alkmaar striker made himself eligible last month.
FIFA have approved Aron Jóhannsson’s application for a “change of association” (national team switch), from Iceland to the USAMNT. This development means he is available to play in Wednesday’s friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.
There is a possibility that Jóhannsson, 22, could reunite with his former AZ teammate Jozy Altidore, but faces competition for the spot from Terrence Boyd, Eddie Johnson and Bobby Wood from Rapid Vienna, Seattle Sounders and 1860 Munich respectively.
“I’m super happy,” said Johannsson. “When I came here, I didn’t expect that I was going to be eligible to play. The coach told me right after training (on Tuesday) that the approval came through. I’m very excited.”
If Jóhannsson can stay in the form he has shown for AZ Alkmaar, (scoring six goals in his last seven games for The Cheese Farmers), it is likely USA fans will be seeing him play up top sooner rather than later.
“We are obviously very thrilled for Aron,” US manager Jurgen Klinsmann said in a U.S. Soccer Federation statement. “It’s an exciting time for him. He’s done a great job in these couple days getting to know the guys. Hopefully if the game goes well tomorrow night, there will be a chance for him to make his debut with the US national team.”
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