Pochettino waits on Banks' nationality call and urges caution over teenage sensation Sullivan

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Noahkai Banks will not feature in his next U.S. men’s national team squad after the 19-year-old German-American centre-back remained undecided on whether to represent the United States or Germany. Pochettino made the announcement during a video conference with reporters on Monday, two months after the USA were eliminated by Belgium in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Noahkai didn’t change his mind and is waiting — still no decision, and of course we cannot consider him for the next camp,” Pochettino said. The Hawaii-born defender has been in contact with the Argentine coach throughout the post-tournament break but has yet to commit to either the Stars and Stripes or the four-time World Cup champions.

The upcoming camp will feature exhibitions against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada later this month. Pochettino, who signed a new four-year contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation last month, said the squad of approximately 26 field players and four goalkeepers will blend members of the World Cup roster with younger players he sees as central to qualifying for the 2030 World Cup and beyond.

Among the most closely watched prospects is Cavan Sullivan, the 16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder who has scored in each of the club’s last three MLS matches since the league resumed following the World Cup break in mid-July. Sullivan recently said he believed he could have made an impact against Belgium, telling a podcast: “I think I could come into that game on the right side and make a difference. You have to believe in yourself; you have to think you can help your team win.”

Sullivan also acknowledged his place in the pecking order. “It’s not my team yet,” he said. “But I’m obviously always dreaming and hoping for call-ups.”

Pochettino did not name Sullivan directly but appeared to address the comments when asked about Philadelphia’s emerging talent pool. Quinn Sullivan, Cavan’s older brother, and Nathan Harriel both represented the U.S. in 2025, while defenders Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield are also drawing attention within the programme.

The coach welcomed the depth of young talent but struck a note of caution. “We are very happy about to have all these potential good players,” he said. “Only we need to be careful, because when you are young, of course, you need to be confident, you need to have the trust in yourself and belief that you can perform and you can do well.”

“But the thing is, there is a limit,” Pochettino continued. “The balance is the most important, and one of our responsibilities is to protect these guys — because sometimes if you play well and you are 17, 16 or 18, people start to talk about that you are Messi or you are a big star in the world because you do some few good things. That can be dangerous for your career.”