Forward Aron Johannsson’s change of association approved by FIFA

CHICAGO – Forward Aron Johannsson’s application to FIFA for a change of association was approved on Tuesday, and he is now eligible to play for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Johannsson formerly represented Iceland at the U-21 level.

That approval arrived just in time for him to make his debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday, and his promising display in the Yanks’ 4-3 win  suggests that he may play a prominent role for the USMNT going forward.

“We are obviously very thrilled for Aron,” Klinsmann said. “It’s an exciting time for him. He’s done a great job in these couple days getting to know the guys.”

“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 that the approval came through. I’m very excited.”

Johannsson was born in Mobile, Ala., and his family moved to Iceland when he was 3 years old. The 22-year-old striker plays professionally for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands’ Eredivisie.