Noahkai Banks is leaning towards Germany

The Augsburg center-back has been targeted by the United States ahead of the World Cup.

Noahkai Banks might not be US-bound after all. A recent report by Kicker indicates that the Augsburg center-back will not be called up in March. This is despite conversations with the United States federation, as he wants to keep his options open and favors playing for Germany in the future.

Banks was born in the United States, but was raised in Germany and came through FC Augsburg’s youth academy. The 19-year-old made his Bundesliga debut in January 2025 and is a regular starter this season under Manuel Baum.

Banks, who has represented the US at youth levels, has been widely linked with a potential senior debut as Mauricio Pochettino’s side looks to add defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He was called up in September but did not make his debut in a decision Pochettino could come to regret.

This could be another big recruitment win for Germany over the United States. In October 2025, Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown debuted for Germany under Julian Nagelsmann despite long-reported interest from the United States.

It is unlikely that Banks would immediately link up with Julian Nagelsmann and Germany’s first team. Kicker reported that the DFB has not yet extended an invitation, although Banks is still eligible for Germany’s u21s.

While Banks is unlikely to play a big role for Germany in the near future, securing one of the most promising young defenders in the Bundesliga would be a major coup for the DFB.

The Augsburg talent revealed he had been in contact with Germany in an exclusive interview with Bulinews last month, but explained there was no thought of switching national teams at the moment.