Dortmund’s Chukwuemeka set for Austria debut in international football | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is his goal. When Austria faces Algeria, Argentina, and Jordan, Carney Chukwuemeka wants to be on the pitch. To make his dream come true, the 22-year-old midfielder switched federations from Borussia Dortmund.

Chukwuemeka played for all of England’s youth national teams from U17 to U20. However, his chances of breaking through with the Three Lions are considered slim due to the abundance of talent. That’s why, in March 2026, he switched to the Austrian federation.

The son of Nigerian parents was born in Vienna on October 20, 2003, and moved with them as a child to Northampton, England. He only lived in the Alpine Republic for two years, the BVB pro explained in a club interview. “So it wasn’t long enough to really learn German. But my father speaks fluent German. So I’ll try to learn as much as possible from him,” he added.

His language skills could help him when he joins coach Ralf Rangnick’s (67) squad at the end of March. Austria will face Ghana on Friday, March 27 (6:00 p.m.), as part of their World Cup preparations. Four days later, at 8:45 p.m., they will play South Korea. Both matches will take place at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium.

Chukwuemeka faces strong competition

Alongside Chukwuemeka, Paul Wanner, who was born in Dornbirn, also switched to the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB). The PSV Eindhoven midfielder previously made a total of 27 appearances for German youth teams, most recently nine times for the U21s.

“We are happy that they have chosen us. During the training camp, they will of course have the opportunity to recommend themselves for the World Cup. Looking at the next ten to twelve years, I am definitely convinced that they will help us,” Rangnick commented on the ÖFB website regarding his decision to include both players in his 28-man squad.

Photo: Getty Images

However, qualifying for the World Cup squad will not be easy for Chukwuemeka. In Austria’s midfield, he faces strong competition from the Leipzig trio Nicolas Seiwald (24), Xaver Schlager (28), and Christoph Baumgartner (26), as well as his Dortmund teammate Marcel Sabitzer (31).

Chukwuemeka joined Borussia on loan from Chelsea FC in February 2025, and at the end of August that year, Dortmund signed him permanently for €20 million until 2030. So far, he has made 48 appearances across all competitions for the Black and Yellows (four goals, two assists)—but not once for the full 90 minutes.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.