Can the USMNT afford to lose a talent like Noahkai Banks? Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed his staff still talks with the Augsburg defender, but the 19‑year‑old hasn’t decided yet and won’t attend the September‑October camps.
Born in Hawaii, Banks was on the US radar for the 2026 World Cup and even the summer tournament, yet he still hasn’t pledged his international allegiance.
Pochettino told a handful of reporters that the federation stays in touch with every dual‑national prospect. He stressed the personal link matters, but with Banks still undecided, the coach can’t slot him into the upcoming camp.
The organization continues to engage dual‑nationals, hoping they’ll eventually commit. If a player feels ready to defend the United States and earns a call‑up, they’ll be included. Banks remains in the same limbo he was in before the World Cup.
For my money, Banks should lock in his choice before the November FIFA window. He started Augsburg’s first two Bundesliga matches and admits he must decide soon, ideally by the next international break.
He told Bild he wants to focus on the season’s start, but acknowledges a decision is due by the upcoming international window or the one after that.
German sources say the DFB has reached out, and Jürgen Klopp even watched one of Banks’ recent games live.
Pochettino invited him to a 2025 fall camp, and Banks still lists “USMNT” on Instagram. He shared with Kicker that watching the World Cup left him with mixed emotions.
He said the tournament made him proud of the team that welcomed him, and he never dwells on regrets. He chose his path with the future in mind, and now wonders: will his decision shape the US midfield for 2026?