"That's set in stone" – Elversberg prodigy Cole Campbell reaffirms desire to represent USA over Iceland

The son of an American-born Icelandic mother and an American father, SV Elversberg forward Cole Campbell is eligible to represent both countries at international level.

Campbell initially played for Iceland's U17 national team before switching his international allegiance to the United States, who he has since represented at U19, U20 and U23 level.

With Campbell yet to make his senior international debut, he could technically still switch back to Iceland. However, speaking during a digital roundtable, the 20-year-old made it clear that his decision to represent the United States is final.

“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. That said, I have no second thoughts or anything. That’s a thing for me that is set in stone,” Campbell told Bulinews.com and other selected media on Tuesday.

Elaborating on his decision to switch from Iceland to the United States in 2024, Campbell said:

“It was definitely the right step, and I’ve been incredibly happy with it since I made the switch. The support and the atmosphere around the federation have been amazing. The coaches I’ve had, the people I've had the honor of working with have been great. I think that the support and also the trust that I’ve felt from the federation have been great.

“I grew up in the US, so it’s obviously an honor to represent my country. I’m very happy that I made the step to change from Iceland to the US. I’ll not have any second thoughts or speak about different things, because that’s what I want. I want to play for my country,” he added.
 

Campbell confirms USMNT contact

With US head coach Mauricio Pochettino expected to announce his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico on Thursday, Campbell is hoping his name will be on the list.

“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. That would be a dream come true for me to represent my country. Hopefully, I will get the call-up."

Campbell, who became Elversberg’s record signing when he joined from Borussia Dortmund for €6 million in the summer, has been in contact with the US national team staff for some time.

“Yes, I’ve been in contact since the last two years. The first contact was when I was at Dortmund, and I've had on-and-off contact. Now we'll see what happens,” the 20-year-old said.

Campbell has made 12 appearances for the United States at youth level, scoring six goals.

He has started all four of Elversberg’s games this season and scored his first goal for the club – and in the Bundesliga – in their opening 3-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen.