Carney Chukwuemeka has switched his international eligibility to Austria from England.
In a significant move ahead of the World Cup, FIFA has officially approved Chukwuemeka’s request to change his international football nationality. Born in Austria to Nigerian parents, the 22-year-old has previously represented England at the Under-17, Under-18, and Under-20 levels but has never played a competitive match for the senior national team.
Chukwuemeka’s decision comes as Austria prepares to compete in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. He is now eligible to play for Austria, Nigeria, or England, given his birthplace and family background. “Chukwuemeka is set to feature for Austria at the World Cup instead of England,” a source noted.
Having joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in early 2025, Chukwuemeka’s deal was made permanent in the summer of the same year. This season, he has scored two goals and provided two assists in 20 league games for Dortmund, contributing to a total of 30 matches played this season.
Chukwuemeka was England’s top scorer in the U19 category with three goals, his first strike notably coming against Austria during England’s Group B opener. His experience in youth competitions has been significant, as he was part of the squad that won the European U19 Championship in 2022.
Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer, who has earned 95 caps for his national team, is expected to play a key role in guiding the new addition. Observers anticipate that Chukwuemeka could make his senior debut for Austria in upcoming friendlies against Ghana and South Korea.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact lineup for these matches, but the excitement surrounding Chukwuemeka’s switch is palpable among fans and analysts alike.