USMNT legend Donovan backs 19-year-old Noahkai Banks to feature in the World Cup starting lineup this summer
As the US men’s national team prepares for a critical set of friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, one name is drawing attention even before his first full cap: Noahkai Banks. Despite his youth, Landon Donovan has publicly predicted the teenage defender could not only make the squad but start in the tournament itself.
Banks, who recently turned 19, has become a key presence for Bundesliga side Augsburg this season. Towering at 1.93m (6-foot-4), he is already being hailed as one of the most promising American centre-backs in recent memory.
While he was called into a USMNT camp last fall, Banks did not see any playing time, making the upcoming March camp a crucial opportunity to stake his claim for World Cup consideration.
Donovan, speaking on his “Unfiltered Soccer” show, highlighted Banks’ versatility and Bundesliga experience as reasons for his confidence. “Tim Ream is locked and going to play. Chris Richards is more than locked and going to play. I think Pochettino wants this team to have the ability to play in a back three,” Donovan said.
Why Banks could start in the World Cup
“Your options become (Mark) McKenzie, Miles Robinson and even Noahkai Banks. He’s played on the right side of a back three earlier this season, played on the left side of a back three. So he’s clearly comfortable. He’s playing in the Bundesliga every week as an 18-year-old. And I just think when push comes to shove, Pochettino might go, ‘OK, yeah, he’s young. But what are the alternatives?’”
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Donovan’s prediction comes amid a crowded field of centre-back options for coach Mauricio Pochettino, including Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and the versatile Joe Scally. But the USMNT legend believes Banks’ combination of size, tactical awareness, and professional experience at such a young age could tip the scales in his favour.
For Banks, though, the focus remains squarely on Augsburg. Speaking with reporters this week, he downplayed speculation about the World Cup. “I think it’s not the right moment to think about the World Cup, because we have a lot of games left here, and we want to win those games because we have goals for the season,” he said.
“A lot of players say it, but I really mean it: I really just focus on the games we have here. And then let’s see what happens in the summer.”
With the friendlies against Belgium and Portugal set to be the last chance to impress before Pochettino finalizes his squad, all eyes will be on Banks as he balances club duties with the prospect of representing the US on home soil this summer.
Donovan’s prediction has set the stage for a storyline that could define the USMNT’s World Cup campaign, with a teenager potentially stepping into the spotlight in a pivotal defensive role.
