NEW YORK – U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged he was aware of defender Noahkai Banks’ choice to play for Germany instead of the U.S., following the announcement of his inclusion in Germany’s U-21 national team this past Friday. Pochettino is now directing his attention to players who are fully devoted to representing the U.S. as he leads a transition within the team.
The 19-year-old Banks, who currently plays for Augsburg in the Bundesliga, is the son of an American father and a German mother, and he spent most of his life in Germany. Though he represented the U.S. at youth levels and was included in the senior national team’s camp in September 2025, he ultimately did not participate in any games. Pochettino had been in contact with Banks for a year as the player struggled to make a decision. With his recent acceptance of a call-up from Germany’s U-21 squad for Euro qualifiers, Banks opted for a one-time switch.
Pochettino said on Friday, ahead of Red Bull New York’s narrow victory over NYCFC, “He called us and said, ‘I’ve decided to go for Germany.’ That’s something we must accept. We want players who are committed, fully committed—200%. It’s fortunate that he was honest with us from the start about his mixed feelings.”
The coach recognizes that not all dual nationals will ultimately choose to represent the U.S. Instead, he emphasizes his focus on players who are resolute in their commitment. “We want players who are unequivocal in their choice and eager to wear the national team colors,” he stated. Pochettino is confident that U.S. Soccer is stronger than any individual player or dual nationality concern.
J.T. Batson from U.S. Soccer echoed Pochettino’s sentiments, expressing that the organization seeks players who genuinely want to represent the nation. “We need to create an environment that allows them to thrive,” Batson mentioned, adding that there are countless children in the U.S. aspiring to don the national team jersey.
While watching Friday’s MLS match alongside former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Pochettino also observed three players from the upcoming fall friendlies. Among them was NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese, who started during the World Cup, and promising RBNY teens Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, both of whom have previously represented the U.S. at youth levels but are also eligible for other national teams. Hall, born in New York to an American father and a Polish mother, has yet to finalize his international allegiance.
Hall shared that no communication from Poland has occurred regarding his future, stating, “I just wanted to take the opportunity that arose with the U.S. and I’ll strive to make a significant impact.” Meanwhile, Pochettino noted that the 12 uncapped players in this fall’s camp appeared just as eager as Hall to kick-start their international careers, with some moved to tears upon learning of their call-ups.
Reflecting on his own experience representing Argentina, Pochettino noted how emotional the connection to one’s national team remains. “If you don’t feel passionately about it, it’s hard to give your best,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of genuine feelings toward the badge.
Upcoming USMNT Friendlies:
(All times Eastern)
- Sept. 26: USMNT vs. Peru (4:30 p.m., TNT)
- 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)
Pochettino is eager for this post-World Cup camp to mark a “new beginning” for the player pool, using this unique four-game window to integrate fresh talent. He noted, “It’s a great time for us to connect with many players. We want to spend time getting to know them better before these challenging matches.”
He praised MLS for its growing competitiveness and noted that most of the uncapped players in this camp hail from the league, underscoring its role as a vital development ground for young talent. “MLS is extremely competitive, and I’m thrilled to see the progress being made each season,” he said.
Looking ahead, he emphasized that the fall roster has been shaped with an eye on the 2030 World Cup while also prioritizing preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The U.S. Soccer federation is targeting a gold medal in the men’s soccer event, and many uncapped players from the USMNT are age-eligible.
“It’s vital for our fans to understand that we view these players as part of one big family,” Batson noted, reiterating the unified approach across various age groups within the national team. Pochettino also affirmed the collaborative efforts: “We are all in this together, and having U-23 coach Steve Cherundolo working with us is crucial to building a cohesive strategy.”
Despite the excitement surrounding these young prospects, Pochettino cautioned against setting high expectations too soon. “We need to keep encouraging them without putting too much pressure on them,” he advised, reminding fans to be patient as these young athletes navigate their journeys.
Fan Take: This news illustrates a pivotal moment for the USMNT, as it issues a clear message about commitment and passion for the jersey. It reflects the broader landscape of U.S. soccer, showcasing the emergence of fresh talent while underscoring the importance of fostering players eager to represent their nation.
Source: www.cbssports.com
