FIFA approved one-time switch for new USMNT player Timothy Tillman

Dual-nationality midfielder Timothy Tillman has committed to the US men’s national team. 

FIFA approved the player’s one-time change of association, making him eligible to represent the American team in international competition. Tillman previously formed part of the German national team, playing in official matches at  the youth level. 

Tillman was born in Nürnberg, Germany to an American father and German mother, allowing the dual-nationality figure to represent both teams at an international level. 

Despite playing in Germany for most of his career, last featuring for Greuther Fürth before joining LAFC, the player followed in the footsteps of his older brother Malik Tillman in choosing to sport the Red, White and Blue. 

“To represent the United States is obviously making me proud. I’m really honored to do so and I’m looking forward to the future with the United States,” Tillman said in a release. “Telling my family about it was really exciting. As a kid, my brother and I dreamt of playing for a national team together and now we’re one step closer.”

Tillman, who came up through Bayern Munich’s youth system, has impressed since joining the reigning MLS champions in 2023. He’s managed three goals and two assists in 13 matches across all competitions to become a starter under head coach Steve Cherundolo.  

The midfielder is the latest dual-nat player to commit to the United States, after Folarin Balogun announced his choice just last week. The two could soon feature for the senior side in the upcoming CONCACAF tournaments as the Nations League semifinals and Gold Cup take place this summer.