Share

Arsenal's starlet cleared to play for US

Chicago - Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem has been cleared by FIFA to play for the United States and has been added to the roster for the Under-20 World Cup next month.

The U.S. Soccer Federation made the announcement Wednesday. FIFA's decision also makes the 18-year-old eligible for the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer and the under-23 team that will go to Olympic qualifying in October.

Zelalem was born in Germany to Ethiopian parents and lived in Maryland for six years before going to Arsenal's youth academy when he was 16. He has appeared twice for the Gunners, both times as a second-half substitute - against Coventry in an FA Cup game Jan. 24, 2014, and versus Galatasaray in the Champions League last Dec. 9.

Zelalem obtained U.S. citizenship in December, and the USSF applied to FIFA to make him eligible for its national team system.

The USSF also said University of San Diego goalkeeper will replace Molde's Ethan Horvath on the 21-man roster for the Under-20 World Cup.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE