"I've already made my decision to switch to the US. It was for a lot of different reasons, but my future is with the US," Cole Campbell told bundesliga.com. The SV Elversberg forward has also gone a step further and said he has "no second thoughts" about it, calling the choice "set in stone" as he waits for a first senior call-up.
Campbell's international choice
The 20-year-old is eligible for both the United States and Iceland through his family background. His path was split before he ever reached senior level, too. Campbell played for Iceland at U17 level, then switched to the United States at U19, U20 and U23 level.
He has been clear about what he wants next. "I'm hoping. We will see what happens. I'm just focused on trying to perform the best that I can, and I'm praying that hopefully I get my first call-up soon," he said. "I grew up in this country, so it would be an honour. It would be a dream come true for me to represent my country."
Elversberg form and the USMNT case
The club side is doing its part. Campbell has scored once in three Bundesliga outings since joining newly promoted SV Elversberg from Borussia Dortmund this summer, and Elversberg have won 3 of their last 4 Bundesliga matches. That is a decent platform, even if it is still early days for him at the club.
His spell at Hoffenheim did not give him much rhythm. An ankle problem limited him to five appearances during an injury-disrupted loan in the second half of last season. This time, the start is cleaner and the output is there already, which is what makes the timing of his international decision notable.
Mauricio Pochettino's next USA friendlies are against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, so Campbell has a run of fixtures coming up that could give him a clearer path if he keeps producing at Elversberg.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
