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The U.S. men's national team has increasingly become a hub for dual-national talent, thanks to the country's diverse population and global diaspora.
However, while many current dual nationals playing for the USMNT like Sergiño Dest, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson and Johnny have chosen to don the red, white, and blue at the senior level, several high-profile players have opted to represent other nations despite their eligibility for the U.S.
Here’s a list of notable dual-national soccer players who chose not to play for the USMNT — decisions that continue to spark debate among American soccer fans.
There's more than you might remember.
Dual-nationals who chose not to play for the USMNT
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
Born in Liverpool to a British mother and a father with American heritage, Alexander-Arnold was eligible to play for the U.S. But as one of England’s top fullbacks and a Champions League winner with Liverpool, he committed fully to the Three Lions early in his career. The U.S. never stood much of a chance... or did they?
“I love America”
- Trent Alexander-Arnold(via @MenInBlazers) pic.twitter.com/WAyF14Cf1y
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) January 20, 2023
2. Jonathan David (Canada)
Born in Brooklyn, New York, David was raised in Canada from a young age. He burst onto the scene with Belgian side Gent, was a massive star for Lille in France and signed for Juventus in on July 4, 2025. Though eligible for the U.S., David chose to represent Canada, becoming a cornerstone of their recent World Cup resurgence.
3. Giuseppe Rossi (Italy)
Perhaps the most infamous example, Rossi was born in New Jersey to Italian immigrant parents. Despite being raised in the U.S. soccer system, he moved to Italy as a teenager and eventually chose the Azzurri over the USMNT. Injuries derailed his promising career, but the decision still stings for American fans who saw him as a future star.
4. Neven Subotić (Serbia)
Born in Bosnia, raised in Germany, and later in Utah, Subotić played for the U.S. youth teams and seemed destined for the senior side. However, after disagreements with U.S. Soccer’s youth coaches and a better connection to Serbia, he switched allegiances and became a defensive mainstay for both his birth nation and Bundesliga giant Borussia Dortmund.
5. Efrain Álvarez (Mexico)
Though Álvarez played for U.S. youth teams and was courted heavily by USMNT coaches, the LA Galaxy midfielder ultimately chose Mexico. He cited his heritage and emotional connection to El Tri, despite growing up in Los Angeles. He now plays for Mexican side Chivas in Liga MX.
6. Julián Araujo (Mexico)
The dual-national born in California represented the U.S. at youth levels and earned one senior cap in 2020, but filed a one-time FIFA switch in 2021 to represent El Tri, stating that “my heart is with Mexico,” feeling a deeper cultural connection and better opportunities aligned with his heritage. He now plays for Bournemouth in the Premier League.
7. Nathaniel Brown (Germany)
The most recent name on this list, Brown was born in Germany to an American father and had been tracked by the USMNT.
However, in 2024, he accepted a call-up from Germany’s U21 squad, signaling his intent to pursue a future with Die Mannschaft instead of the U.S. — pre-confirming the Eintracht Frankfurt player's intent to play for the senior team in the future.
"There was already contact (from U.S. Soccer), but I was born and grew up in Germany and I have already played with the U-21s," said Brown this July regarding a potential career with the USMNT.
