NEW YORK – Can you imagine losing a top prospect to a rival nation? Coach Mauricio Pochettino said he already knew defender Noahkai Banks had chosen Germany after the U‑21 call‑up was announced, and he is now zeroing in on players fully committed to the US side.
The 19‑year‑old Banks, an Augsburg defender, was born in Honolulu to an American dad and German mom but grew up mostly in Germany. He featured for U.S. youth sides and attended a senior camp in September 2025 without seeing game time. After months of dialogue, he confirmed a one‑time switch and accepted a Germany U‑21 invitation for Euro qualifiers.
“Yes, he called us,” Pochettino told reporters before Red Bull New York’s 1‑0 win over NYCFC. “He said, ‘I decide to go for Germany.’ That’s a reality we have to manage. We need players who give 200 % commitment, not just 50 %. He was honest every time we reached out, saying he was still undecided between the USA and Germany.”
Pochettino acknowledged that not every dual‑national will pick the United States, so his scouting now targets those who have already chosen the Stars and Stripes.
“We want players with no doubt,” he added. “They must be hungry for the badge and ready to fight for it. The U.S. Soccer structure stands above any individual name, and we expect every newcomer to want to give everything for that chance.”
U.S. Soccer senior vice president J.T. Batson echoed the coach’s remarks.
“Our goal is to give every aspiring player the platform to represent the country,” Batson said. “Millions of kids wake up dreaming of the national team, and wherever they live, if they want to wear the jersey, we’ll support them fully.”
During Friday’s MLS match, which Pochettino watched beside former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, the USMNT previewed three of the 28 players slated for the upcoming fall friendlies. Among them were NYCFC keeper Matt Freese and uncapped Red Bull teens Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, both eligible for other nations after youth stints with the United States.
Hall has not ruled out Poland, telling the New York Post his international future remains “definitely not solidified.” He sports his mother’s surname, Zakrzewski, on his MLS jersey, and the Polish FA has publicly courted him, even presenting his mother with a Polish shirt in April.
He won’t be cap‑tied by the September friendlies; the earliest binding appearance could come in the November CONCACAF Nations League quarter‑finals. Hall, who broke a 12‑game shutout streak on Friday, said the U.S. was the only federation that reached out for the window.
“No,” he replied when asked if Poland had contacted him. “I just wanted to seize the U.S. opportunity and will give everything I can when I’m on that field.”
For my money, the uncapped batch shows the USMNT’s depth is finally catching up, and the emotion many felt upon receiving their call‑ups proves that passion is still alive.
Pochettino reflected on his own Argentina days from 1999‑2002, including a spot on the 2002 World Cup roster.
“It feels timeless,” he said. “When you talk about your country and its badge, you must feel that fire. Without it, you can’t give your best. Playing for a national team isn’t a business; it’s about love and pride.”
All times U.S./Eastern
USMNT’s generational shift
He described the first post‑World Cup camp as a fresh start, a four‑game window designed to usher in a new generation of talent.
- Sept. 29: USMNT vs. Chile (8 p.m., TNT)
- Oct. 3: USMNT vs. Mexico (10 p.m., TNT)
- Oct. 6: USMNT vs. Canada (8 p.m., TNT)
- NEW YORK – U.S.
Sept. 26: USMNT vs. Peru (4:30 p.m., TNT)
“I think it’ll be good,” he noted. “We’ll get to know many players over nearly three weeks, even though the last two matches will be tough. That intensity will help us grow.”
He praised MLS for developing young talent, noting that most of the 12 uncapped players in this camp come from the domestic league.
“MLS is fiercely competitive, and I’m thrilled to see it shaping future stars,” he said. “Each season they improve, offering a solid platform for youngsters before they potentially move to Europe. The league will keep getting stronger next year.”
The fall roster is built with the 2030 World Cup in mind, but U.S. Soccer also eyes the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, targeting a gold medal with a pool that averages 19 years and six months, highlighted by 16‑year‑old Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union.
“Fans should know we treat these players as one big pool,” Batson explained. “Whether it’s U‑20, U‑23, Gold Cup or Nations League, every competition prepares us for 2030, and we want everyone excited about that journey.”
U‑23 coach Steve Cherundolo will collaborate with Pochettino’s staff for the upcoming friendlies.
“It’s crucial we all belong to the same organization,” Pochettino said. “Steve will be integrated naturally with our federation staff, creating a seamless environment for the players.”
Even as a new chapter excites him, Pochettino warned that first caps aren’t guaranteed and urged patience with the youngsters.
“Be careful,” he advised. “They’re still teenagers. Give them attention but let them develop at their own pace; they won’t instantly perform like seasoned veterans.”
USMNT’s fall friendlies