USMNT camp opens without Noahkai Banks, the 19-year-old defender who chose Germany over the U.S.

Fayettville, Georgia — The United States' first training camp since the World Cup opened on Monday without 19-year-old defender Noahkai Banks. The camp, which includes 28 call-ups including 13 players making their senior debuts, is a precursor to the upcoming four friendlies as part of the four-year cycle leading up to the 2030 World Cup.

Banks, a dual national born in Hawaii to American and German parents, chose to represent Germany over the U.S. after reporting to a senior camp in September. This decision came after the U.S. national team contacted Banks multiple times, expressing their desire to have him join the team. Pochettino, the camp's head coach, emphasized the importance of player commitment, stating that he wanted players who were fully dedicated to the U.S. national team.

Banks, who has lived in Germany for much of his life and played for Augsburg, will need to work his way up through Germany's youth ranks before potentially joining the senior team. The U.S. had hoped Banks would commit to the 2030 World Cup cycle soon, as he could have provided immediate competition for the team in central defense.