The United States’ effort to secure dual-national defender Noahkai Banks appears to have come to an end.
The 19-year-old has been selected for Germany’s U-21 squad ahead of their upcoming European Championship qualifiers. In an official statement, head coach Antonio Di Salvo said that Banks and fellow dual national Louey Ben Farhat have decided to play for Germany.
Banks was born in Honolulu to an American father and a German mother. He has previously represented only United States youth teams, including at the 2023 U-17 World Cup. Since that tournament is an official Fifa competition, he would have to complete a one-time switch before playing for Germany.
Di Salvo said Germany had maintained contact with both players for some time and worked hard to recruit them. He added that he was delighted to present them with a clear future in the German setup and receive their commitment.
Both countries had been pursuing Banks after he emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young defenders with FC Augsburg. He made 23 league appearances last season, starting nearly every match, and has played the full 90 minutes in each of Augsburg’s first four games this campaign.
Mauricio Pochettino included Banks in the senior United States squad for friendlies against South Korea and Japan in September 2025. However, the defender remained on the bench for both matches, as the team lost 2-0 to South Korea before defeating Japan by the same score.
Banks was still considered a possible candidate for Pochettino’s World Cup roster because of the team’s limited depth at center-back and the shortage of emerging players with experience at a high level.
Banks previously said he had informed both countries that his immediate priority was the beginning of the club season. He acknowledged that a final decision would need to be made by one of the next two international breaks.
Earlier this month, Pochettino said the federation was continuing discussions with Banks and other dual-national players, adding that the defender’s position had not changed since their conversations before the World Cup.
If Banks had committed to the United States, he would probably have been selected for the forthcoming four-match international window. Pochettino opted for several young players in his squad, including 18-year-old Philadelphia Union center-back Neil Pierre.
Banks continues to reference the United States national team in the biography of his official Instagram account, although that may soon be updated.
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