2026 World Cup: Chukwuemeka switches allegiance from England to Austria

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has switched his international eligibility to Austria from England ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Austria face defending champions Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan in the group stages of this summer’s World Cup, having qualified for the finals for the first time since 1998.

Chukwuemeka, who was born to Nigerian parents in Austria, moved to England as a boy and played for the Three Lions throughout the junior divisions without gaining a senior cap.

Chukwuemeka’s status was updated by FIFA late on Monday and could feature for Austria as early as the upcoming March friendlies against Ghana and South Korea.

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The 22-year-old midfielder came through the youth divisions at Aston Villa before moving to Chelsea in 2022.

He joined Dortmund on loan in early 2025 and his deal was made permanent in the summer.

This season, Chukwuemeka has scored two goals in 20 league games for Dortmund.

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Paul Wanner, 20, now with PSV Eindhoven, made the switch from Germany to Austria on the same day.

The Star