USMNT staying “in contact” with Noahkai Banks, other dual nationals

Noahkai Banks is one player that many U.S. Men’s National Team fans were hoping to see at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and although Banks hasn’t committed his future yet on the international level, U.S. Soccer has stayed in contact with him and many others.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that dual nationals remain very important to the program’s plans for the future. Banks is one of several talented players that the USMNT are monitoring for the 2030 cycle, especially with many of competitions and tournaments on the horizon over the next few years.

After previously being called into a USMNT camp last fall, Banks is still waiting to earn his senior debut for the United States, as well as Germany, who is now led by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. The Augsburg defender has jumped back into a starting role for his club, featuring in all three matches to date among two competitions.

Pochettino admits that while the connections with the players on the field are important, the ones off of the field are equally just as key.

“We are in contact with all the potential dual nationals,” Pochettino said in a conference call from London, England. “I think it’s important for us to see, of course, because that is the connection, the human connection that is so important. Even if they, like in that case, [Banks] didn’t change in his mind and is waiting; still no decision. And of course we cannot consider him for the next camp. That is the case. But also the organization is working with all the dual national and player with the possibility to make decision.

“Yes, that human connection is important because if one day they feel that they can defend and they want to fight and to be part of our national team, of course, if they deserve and we consider it that they deserve to be involved, of course we are going to call,” he added. “In that case, Noki is still in the same situation that was before the World Cup when we talk.”

Banks could potentially be in the USMNT’s plans for the upcoming September-October window when Pochettino’s squad will play four friendlies over a two-week span.