Pochettino accepts Noah Banks’ switch from USMNT to Germany U21s
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has accepted Noah Banks’ decision to represent Germany, with the Augsburg centre-back filing a one-time international switch to enter the German Under-21 system.
Banks, 19, was born in Honolulu to an American father and German mother but spent much of his childhood in Europe. He had featured for the United States at youth level and received a senior squad call-up for friendlies against South Korea and Japan in September 2025, although he did not play in either match. Without a senior cap, the defender remained eligible to change association.
The move brings an end to a prolonged effort by the USMNT to persuade Banks to commit. Pochettino said the player contacted him directly to deliver the news, having previously made clear that he had not settled on either the United States or Germany.
“He called us and told us that he had decided on Germany,” Pochettino said. “We have to accept that. We need players who are fully committed; commitment cannot be 50 per cent, it has to be 200 per cent.
“He was honest. Whenever we spoke to him about joining us, he would say that he was still unsure and did not know whether to choose the USA or Germany.”
Pochettino demands full commitment
The Argentina-born coach is overseeing a period of transition within the United States pool and stressed that players must arrive without hesitation if they are to be part of his plans. Dual-national recruitment remains a significant part of the programme, but Pochettino said no individual should be placed above the national-team structure.
“We want players without doubts, players who are committed and desperate to play for the badge,” he said. “This happens often in this country, but the organisation is stronger than any player, any name or any dual national. When someone joins us, there must be no question that they want to give everything for that opportunity.”
With Banks now committed elsewhere, Pochettino has continued his assessment of potential options in Major League Soccer. He attended Friday’s New York derby alongside Pep Guardiola, watching Red Bull New York beat New York City FC 1-0.
NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese, who had started for the United States at the World Cup, was among the players under observation. Pochettino also watched Red Bulls teenagers Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, two uncapped dual nationals regarded as promising prospects. Their eligibility makes them further important cases for U.S. Soccer as it looks to secure young players before other international teams make their approach.
