Gedion Zelalem has been cleared by FIFA to represent the USA.
The 18-year old German-born Arsenal midfielder, who received US citizenship in December, is now eligible to play for the country he moved to with his Ethiopian father in 2006.
USA U20 head coach Tab Ramos had held a spot on his World Cup roster open for Zelalem who will now play for his adopted nation at the FIFA tournament in New Zealand.
US Soccer president Sunil Gulati revealed the news on Twitter:
Pleased to report that Gedion Zelalem has been cleared by #FIFA to represent @ussoccer
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) May 13, 2015
Zelalem will now link up with his teammates in Australia this week prior to the U20 World Cup which kicks off on May 30.
