Fifa Switch

Noahkai Banks Selects Germany, Ending USMNT Hopes for Young Defender

19-year-old dual-national defender Noahkai Banks has officially chosen to represent Germany, ending the United States' pursuit of the FC Augsburg star. Banks was named to Germany's U-21 squad for upcoming European Championship qualifiers, a decision that removes a key potential center-back option from the USMNT's 2026 World Cup plans. Although he previously played for US youth teams, including the 2023 U-17 World Cup, he must file a one-time switch with FIFA to play for Germany. The move follows a period of uncertainty where Banks declined a US call-up in March and remained in contact with both federations.