Mauricio Pochettino confirms Noahkai Banks unavailable for USMNT amid Germany approach

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAY Tue, March 17, 2026 at 5:20 PM UTC

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The U.S. men's national team roster for its March friendlies did not include a name many were hoping to see: Noahkai Banks.

The 19-year-old defender has been performing at a high level with FC Augsburg this season, but USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that he was not available for selection amid an approach from Germany.

Banks has become a regular starter in the Bundesliga and looks to be one of the best young defenders in Germany.

The Hawaii-born defender has represented the U.S. at various youth international levels and earned a senior call-up in September, though he didn't see the field.

But the teenager has recently begun to consider a switch to Germany, where he's lived since he was a young child.

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Last month, Banks admitted that he was "torn" over whether to continue with the U.S. or switch to Germany.

"It’s a difficult decision regarding my nationality. I’m very torn," he said. "I’m in contact with both the USA and Germany and both national coaches.

"I hopefully have a long career ahead of me, so I want to think carefully and speak with my family. I don’t want to make it dependent on a World Cup. I’m just happy to be in this position and to be able to make this decision. We’ll see what happens."

In a call with the media after naming his roster, Pochettino said that Banks was indeed torn between his birth nation and the country where he's lived the majority of his life.

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"He's thinking a lot," the Argentine added. "He's in a situation that is not easy for him."

Pochettino said that even if he wanted to name Banks to his March roster, the defender took himself out of contention.

"At the moment, he was very clear in the situation that he is not available to be selected because he has still not made the decision," Pochettino said.

"I hope for the USA that the decision will be for our side," he added.

"The whole federation is supporting him and not trying to convince (him), because it's not about to convincing. It's about showing that we, the federation, really care about him."

If he were to opt for Germany, Banks would have to file a one-time change of association request with FIFA.

The USMNT will play Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31 in Atlanta – the team's final two matches before Pochettino names his World Cup roster.

This story was to change a video.

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