Teal Bunbury Files One-Time Switch With FIFA From Canada To USA

While Bunbury had not formally filed with FIFA to make the switch from Canada to the United States, he was eligible to play for the U.S. because the matches were just friendlies and as such, not FIFA sanctioned. However, if Bunbury wanted to play in a FIFA or continental competition, such as the World Cup, World Cup qualifying or the Gold Cup, he would have to file for the country change, which he now has.

FIFA rules allow for players who have not played for a country in a FIFA or continental competition to change the country they will represent so long as they had citizenship in that country when they first appeared for the country they are changing from. Players can only change countries once, though, so once FIFA approves Bunbury’s change, he will never be able to represent a country other than the U.S. in official competition. If past applications for the one-time switch are any indication, Bunbury should have his application approved in roughly two months, making him eligible to play for the U.S. in this simmer’s Gold Cup.