USMNT talent Noahkai Banks ponders Germany switch despite World Cup 'dream'

Tom Weber

• 1 Mar 2026 12:00 CST
• 6 min read

News

Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks has admitted that he remains undecided over his international allegiance despite having a good chance of featuring for the United States at the 2026 World Cup.

The 19-year-old is enjoying a lights-out season in the Bundesliga after nailing down a regular starting spot in the early stages of the campaign, when Augsburg were still struggling under former coach Sandro Wagner.

Since Manuel Baum replaced the former Bayern Munich striker, Augsburg have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, and Banks has played a key part. The centre-back even produced an assist in a 2-0 win over Koln on Friday.

In January, Serie A giants AS Roma attempted to sign the teenage prodigy, and it is understood that they remain keen on him with a view to the summer. 2026 is likely to be a career-defining year for Banks, and not just on the transfer front.

The Honolulu-born defender has a big decision to make over his international allegiance. A United States prospect since the U17 level, Banks has admitted that he could yet switch to Germany.

Banks undecided over international future

Banks has a German mother and grew up in Bavaria, making him eligible to suit up for Germany. He has yet to make his senior debut for the USMNT, but he was on the bench for a friendly clash with Japan last September.

Given his impressive form in recent weeks, Banks is likely to be a shoo-in for Mauricio Pochettino's squad for the March international break, and some, including MLS analyst Matt Doyle, believe that the 19-year-old should be tried as a starter ahead of the World Cup.

However, speaking to Sky Germany after his standout performance against Koln, Banks revealed that he is undecided on his international allegiance and that he will not base his decision on a potential World Cup spot.

"I have a bit of contact with both national teams and am currently deciding," he said. "I don’t want to base my decision on the FIFA World Cup. I’m 19 years old, and I don’t want to make a hasty decision.

"I feel drawn to both nations. I grew up with my stepdad in Germany, but my real dad lives in America. I’m torn. I have to decide with my family what the best decision is.

"I don't want to make it dependent on a World Cup. You can never say what will happen in four or five years. That's why I don't want to tie my decision to one tournament, even though a World Cup is of course a dream for everyone."

Banks' interview prompted pundit Thomas Hitzlsperger to urge Julian Nagelsmann to call the youngster up for Germany. "If I'm Julian Nagelsmann, it would be important to nominate him now," the former Aston Villa star insisted. "It would be a shame if such a talent were no longer available."

Nagelsmann certainly has shown faith in young players during his tenure, but it seems highly unlikely that Banks would be included in the World Cup squad even if he were to make the cut for the March friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana.

Ultimately, though, Banks still has time to make his decision. Even if he were to play for one or the other in the upcoming break, he would still be eligible for a one-time switch due to his age. Players under 21 are only cap-tied after making three senior appearances.

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