Zurich: FIFA has cleared Croatia under-21 international Fran Karacic to switch eligibility and play for Australia at the World Cup.

FIFA says the formal "change of association" for Croatia-born Karacic, who is named in th Socceroos' provisional squad, was completed on Thursday.

The 22-year-old defender is eligible for Australia because his father was born there.

FIFA lets players make one change of allegiance in their career before they play a senior competitive game for a national team.

Karacic seems certain to be included in coach Bert van Marwijk's 23-man squad next month in Russia to fill a need at right back.

He helped Lokomotiva Zagreb finish fifth in the Croatian league this season.

Australia will play in group C with France, Denmark and Peru.

AP