The United States men’s national team (USMNT) is set to serve as a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, with debate about its squad already underway. And, USMNT legend Landon Donovan has backed one teenage defender to shine later this year.
Landon Donovan Backs Noahkai Banks for USMNT World Cup Role
During a recent episode of the ‘Unfiltered Soccer’ podcast, Donovan suggested FC Augsburg star Noahkai Banks could start in a three-man defence in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I have a bold prediction. I think (Noahkai Banks) is going to be starting for us at the World Cup. Tim Ream is locked and going to play, Chris Richards is more than locked and going to play. I think (head coach Mauricio) Pochettino wants this team, who have the ability to play in a back three. I think the team performs best in a back three,” Donovan said.
Donovan, who represented the USMNT 157 times as a player, further claimed Banks should start for his national team in the upcoming tournament due to his defensive versatility.
“I think he’s a kid who in his last game (for Augsburg) played, I believe on the right side of a three. Earlier in the season, he played on the left side of a back three. So Banks is clearly comfortable (to play anywhere in the backline),” the 43-year-old continued.
The ex-Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen man concluded, “He’s currently playing in the Bundesliga every week as a (teenager). I just think when push comes to shove, Pochettino might go, ‘Okay yes, he’s young, but what are the alternatives (in defense)?”
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Banks, who turned 19 past December, has cemented himself as a vital starter for Augsburg in the 2025-26 season. The towering center-back has scored once in 18 club outings so far this term, helping his team currently sit in 11th place in the Bundesliga standings.
The Augsburg academy graduate has yet to play for the USMNT’s senior team despite being named on the bench once last September. He has played five games for his national team’s Under-20 side after representing its Under-19 team two times in 2024.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has used three defenders in his team’s last five games. The Argentine tactician could decide to continue with his current 3-4-2-1 setup in next month’s international friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. He could also hand Banks his first cap next month in light of his recent performances for Augsburg in Germany.
