Noahkai Banks Pledges International Future to Germany Over United States

FC Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks has committed to Germany after previously representing the U.S. at the 2023 U17 World Cup.

The German Football Federation announced on Friday that 19-year-old defender Noahkai Banks has chosen to represent Germany over the United States. Germany under-21 coach Antonio Di Salvo confirmed the decision in a news release, stating that Karlsruher SC forward Louey Ben Farhat has also pledged his future to the German program. Banks, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, must now file a one-time change of association with FIFA to finalize the switch, as he previously played for the U.S. at the 2023 U17 World Cup.

Banks has made 35 appearances across all competitions for Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, recording one goal. Although he participated in a September 2025 training camp under U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, he did not appear in matches against Japan or South Korea. The defender later declined a March invitation to U.S. camp, effectively ruling himself out of contention for the 2026 World Cup roster.

Before this commitment, Banks rose through the Augsburg youth ranks starting at age 9 and featured for the U.S. U19 and U20 teams. Pochettino confirmed as recently as last week that he remained in contact with the dual national, but Banks had not yet reached a decision at that time. According to a FIFA portal tracking association changes, the official request for Banks had not yet been processed as of Friday.