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Johnson’s one-time switch to join USMNT approved by FIFA

Fabian Johnson 1 (TSG Hoffenheim)

TSG Hoffenheim midfielder/defender Fabian Johnson won't be with the U.S. men's national team for its October friendlies due to a neck injury, but he will be able to represent the United States in the near future.

The 23-year-old Johnson has had his one-time switch of association approved by FIFA, making him eligible to play for the U.S. team. 

Johnson, who was born in Munich, Germany to an American father and German mother, had recently filed paperwork to change his international allegiances to the United States after having represented Germany at youth national team levels. He practiced with the U.S. team earlier this month but was unable play in its friendlies against Costa Rica and Belgium.

The switch means Johnson cannot represent any other country besides the United States at the international level from here on out.

What do you think of Johnson's switch being approved? Hoping to see him at left back at some point down the road?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. You are confusing ethnic German with Silesian. It is a common mistake, especially in English translations. Silesians are Polish, but Prussia ruled the region for hundreds of years. Thus, Silesians are quite easily able to obtain German citizenship.

    Reply
  2. “Thought the MLS would fix all of that, but I guess we are not quite there yet.”

    And may never be.

    Germany is one of the most succesful national teams in the history of the game. Guess who uses even more dual nationals than they did ten years ago?

    Reply
  3. I think it’s fair to say that there’s a large difference between an immigrant wanting to play for the US, and someone who’s never lived here in his life wanting to play for the US.

    The first is something I support 100%. The second makes me a little queasy. It smacks of opportunism.

    Reply
  4. I have watched all of Fabian’s games this season with Hoffenheim and he has been playing in an Attacking Center Mid position. From what I have seen he is our best option in the middle of the field. He has created chances from both passing and taking defenders on 1v1 or even 1v3 and has had loads of success. He would be a waste at left back. He has all of the best attributes of our center mids combined and none of the drawbacks. Bottom line… He makes plays!

    Reply

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