USMNT camp begins absent 19-year-old defender Noahkai Banks, who opted for Germany over the U.S.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Mauricio Pochettino commenced his inaugural U.S. training camp on Monday since the World Cup, marking his first session after signing a long-term contract as head coach.

Due to club commitments on Sunday, several European-based players invited to prepare for four upcoming friendlies over the next 16 days were absent. Most are anticipated to join training at the national training center, located 25 miles south of Atlanta, on Tuesday.

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A total of 28 players were called up, including 13 who are yet to don a senior jersey. This group signifies the start of a four-year campaign leading up to the 2030 World Cup, featuring eight teenagers, 12 returning players from this summer’s Round-of-16 team, and one former starter, Yunus Musah, who returns after an 18-month hiatus.

However, one player expected to join the squad—a defender without prior U.S. appearances but seen as a potential key addition—is missing. This absence is not due to injury or Pochettino’s decision; rather, it is because Noahkai Banks opted to represent Germany.

Recently, the German federation named the 19-year-old defender to its under-21 national team, confirming that the 6-foot-4 dual national has made his choice after considering his international options for the past year. Since Banks had played for the U.S. at youth levels, he had to apply to FIFA for permission to make this one-time switch.

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Win some, lose some.

In fact, the U.S. has seen a net gain over time: Numerous players eligible for various nations have opted to play for the U.S., including members of the squad heading to the 2026 World Cup such as Folarin Balogun, Sergiño Dest, Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, and Alex Zendejas.

However, some have chosen differently.

Two decades ago, New Jersey native Giuseppe Rossi decided to play for Italy, ultimately making 30 appearances and scoring seven goals for the Azzurri.

Dual nationals are a common feature in soccer, with stars like Norwegian Erling Haaland, French player Michael Olise, and German Jamal Musiala being eligible to represent England as well.

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Banks, whose father is American and mother German, participated in U.S. youth national teams and attended Pochettino’s senior camp last September. Nevertheless, he grew up in Germany and honed his skills at Bundesliga club Augsburg, attracting attention from German scouts.

Still undecided last March before the final friendlies ahead of World Cup training, Banks seemed to preclude his participation with the U.S.

U.S. officials had hoped that he would commit to the 2030 cycle soon. Just ten days before announcing his roster, Pochettino stated that communication with Banks had been ongoing.

“That human connection is important because if one day they feel they want to fight and be part of our national team—and if we believe they deserve to be included—we will definitely call them,” Pochettino mentioned on Sept. 7.

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Ultimately, Banks made his decision.

“We want players who show commitment, but commitment isn’t just 50 percent; it’s 200 percent,” Pochettino told reporters in New York after the German team’s announcement. “He was honest; every time we reached out about joining us, he expressed doubts about choosing between the U.S. and Germany. We want players who have no uncertainties. We want committed players who are eager to represent our nation.”

Given Germany’s depth, Banks might have found better opportunities with the U.S. roster and could have made a stronger case for a role in the 2030 World Cup, while in Germany, he will need to progress from the under-21s.

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Germany is in need of fresh talent, having struggled since their 2014 World Cup victory, failing to progress from the group stages twice and losing to Paraguay in the Round of 32 this summer.

Banks has not publicly commented on his decision.

This decision coincides with Pochettino’s efforts to broaden the player pool by including younger athletes in this training camp. Although Pochettino called back two-thirds of the World Cup squad—Chris Richards, 26, from Crystal Palace, and Alex Freeman, 22, from Villarreal—he did not include captain Tim Ream, who will soon turn 39. He will be honored before the friendly match against Chile in St. Louis on September 29.

Pochettino also called Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson, 29, and Celtic’s Auston Trusty, 28, back into the fold while excluding Toulouse’s Mark McKenzie, 27, and Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers, 28, both of whom were part of the 2022 World Cup team.

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Additionally, George Campbell from West Bromwich Albion, 25, returns after debuting in January 2025, and 18-year-old Neil Pierre from Philadelphia, who stands at 6-foot-5, is included in the roster following a significant season in Major League Soccer.

In essence, Pochettino is looking to freshen up options in central defense. Sadly, Banks would have represented a valuable addition.

USMNT camp notes

Richards was given personal time off and will begin training on Wednesday, according to a team spokesman. … Forward Damion Downs, 22, joined the camp as a substitute for Pepi, who sustained an injury in a match on Sunday with PSV Eindhoven. … The U.S. will train in Georgia until Thursday before heading to Orlando for a friendly match against Peru on Saturday.