FIFA approves Timothy Tillman’s one-time switch to represent USMNT

Just one week after Folarin Balogun committed his international future to the U.S. men’s national team, another rising talent has done the same.

FIFA announced Tuesday that it approved a request by U.S. Soccer to change Timothy Tillman’s national eligibility from Germany, the federation stated. Tillman, a 24-year-old midfielder, had previously represented Germany at the U-16 through U-19 programs.

“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,” Tilllman said in an interview with U.S. Soccer. “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.”

Timothy, the brother of fellow USMNT player Malik, recently made the move to MLS this year, joining defending league champions Los Angeles FC. Tillman has scored three goals and added two assists in 16 combined appearances for LAFC in MLS and Concacaf Champions League action.

A former Bayern Munich youth player, Tillman never earned his senior debut with the Bundesliga giants. He also featured for Nuremberg, as well as Greuther Furth where he featured heavily from 2019-2023.

Tillman scored two goals and registered eight assists in 85 combined appearances for Furth, teaming up with fellow American midfielder, Julian Green. He made 16 appearances for Furth during the 2022-23 campaign before joining LAFC.

Tillman could make his debut for the USMNT as early as this June during the Concacaf Nations League Final Four or the Concacaf Gold Cup. The USMNT faces Mexico on June 15 in the Nations League semifinal round, and would face either Canada or Panama in the final on June 18 if it advances.

The Gold Cup runs from June 24-July 16 in the United States, where the USMNT will defend its crown as reigning champions.