The Americans Abroad Five: USMNT dual nationals in focus

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The Americans Abroad Five: USMNT dual nationals in focus

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAY

Mon, Apr 13, 2026 ·

5 min read

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With many of the U.S. men's national team's biggest players having quiet weekends, this week's Five touches on three players who could become national team mainstays in the future.

Noahkai Banks has been in the headlines plenty over the past few weeks, but Bryan Okoh and Luca Koleosho have been flying more under the radar.

All three could be future USMNT players – but only if they opt to play for the country of their birth.

Let's get to this week's Five.

Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.

(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Noahkai Banks hits the bench

The drama over Noahkai Banks' international future hasn't abated, but the Augsburg defender is facing a more immediate issue at present: He's not playing.

After starting every league game since September, Banks has now been benched for three of Augsburg's last four matches – including a 2-2 draw with Hoffenheim on Friday, April 10.

The 19-year-old started against Stuttgart on March 22 and was yanked at halftime with Augsburg down 3-0. That was the last time he saw the field.

For a player his age and with his track record this season, this is likely just a minor hiccup for Banks. But if he doesn't start getting minutes again soon, it will be that much tougher to present a case for the USMNT World Cup squad – if he commits, of course.

Two Americans score in France

It's pretty rare when Americans on both teams score in a top-five European match, but that is exactly what happened on Friday, April 10 as Paris FC throttled Monaco 4-1.

As he has for seven straight Ligue 1 games now, Folarin Balogun (a dual national himself) found the net for Monaco. But this time, the presumed USMNT starting striker could only net a consolation with his team already down 3-0.

Late in the game, Luca Koleosho made the points safe with a screamer for Paris FC. The 21-year-old winger was born in Connecticut, but has been representing Italy at the youth international level for several years.

After barely playing on loan with Espanyol in the first half of the season, Koleosho has enjoyed a regular role off the bench with Paris FC in his second loan of the season.

Koleosho is still a Burnley player and with the Clarets likely heading for relegation, the winger's future will once again be up in the air this summer.

Bryan Okoh making noise in France

It may be a little late in the current World Cup cycle, but Bryan Okoh looks like a name that USMNT fans will want to have on their radar in the months to come.

The 22-year-old center back has been rock solid since a midseason move to Auxerre, helping the relegation-threatened Ligue 1 side to a run of just one loss in six – including a scoreless draw with Nantes this weekend. He even scored a brace in a 3-0 win over Brest last month.

"Bryan immediately brought his positive mindset, his desire to be a true defender who loves winning duels, and his leadership qualities," Auxerre coach Christophe Pelissier said in quotes published in L'Equipe.

"He obviously has some adjustments to make to avoid being caught out behind his defense and needs to improve his concentration. But he possesses the rare quality of being ambidextrous, which allows him to distribute the ball equally well with his left foot or his right."

Auxerre's Swiss defender Bryan Okoh (24) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AJ Auxerre and Stade Brestois 29 at the Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps in Auxerre, on March 21, 2026.

Okoh was born in Texas but grew up in Switzerland, which he has represented at the youth international level. He was considered one of the top prospects in Red Bull Salzburg's academy, but saw his progress stalled by a number of serious injuries.

But Okoh is starting to grow into the player many expected him to be. Would he choose to switch to the country of his birth? U.S. Soccer should be looking to test his resolve at some point soon.

John Tolkin suffers injury

John Tolkin's World Cup dream appears very likely to be over.

The USMNT left back went down with a knee injury in Holstein Kiel's 2-1 victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf on Friday, April 10.

The 2. Bundesliga side announced on Monday, April 13 that Tolkin would be out "weeks" with an inner ligament injury, which won't require surgery. Given how serious the injury appeared at first glance, that qualifies as a positive outcome.

But it is still a major blow for Tolkin's World Cup hopes. The 23-year-old may have been on the outside looking in for a World Cup spot anyway, but had featured for the U.S. as recently as November's win over Uruguay. Now he'll need a quick recovery and potentially an injury or two in front of him to have a chance.

Tyler Adams returns to the pitch

One key USMNT player did receive a serious boost over the weekend, as Tyler Adams returned to the field in Bournemouth's stunning 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday, April 11.

Adams missed the USMNT's roster for defeats against Belgium and Portugal in late March, having suffered a hamstring injury in mid-March.

But the 27-year-old's absence was thankfully brief, as he played the final 20 minutes in Saturday's win at the Emirates Stadium.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Americans Abroad: USMNT dual nationals in focus

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The Americans Abroad Five: USMNT dual nationals in focus

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies

Noahkai Banks hits the bench

Two Americans score in France

Bryan Okoh making noise in France

John Tolkin suffers injury

Tyler Adams returns to the pitch