Carney Chukwuemeka switches international allegiance from England months before World Cup

England have lost Carney Chukwuemeka to World Cup rivals Austria with the Borussia Dortmund star switching his international allegiance.

The 22-year-old’s national team swap has been officially ratified by FIFA – allowing the ex-Chelsea man to make his senior debut later this month.

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talkSPORT reported last month how Austria were in the process of trying to get FIFA approval for Chukwuemeka to switch allegiance.

The midfielder was born in Austria to Nigerian parents, before moving to Northampton as a child.

He has been a key player for the Young Lions in recent years having been capped at Under-17, U18, U19 and U20 level.

Chukwuemeka was even part of the squad that won the European U19 Championship in 2022, where he was named in the team of the tournament.

He was England‘s top scorer with three strikes, with his first goal coincidentally coming against Austria in England’s Group B opener.

That was followed up with a strike against Serbia in the next group match, before finding the back of the net in the 3-1 final victory over Israel.

Chukwuemeka’s last involvement with England came in March 2024 where he was called up to the U21 squad, but pulled out due to injury.

Car blimey

And two years later, he is now poised to make his international debut for a rival World Cup nation.

He is set to be included in Ralf Rangnick‘s squad to face Ghana and South Korea in friendlies on March 27 and March 31.

Should he impress the former Manchester United interim boss, he stands to make Austria’s World Cup squad.

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Chukwuemeka’s transition into the Austria squad will be made easier with Dortmund teammate Marcel Sabitzer a senior figure in the side having been capped on 95 occasions.

Captained by Real Madrid defender David Alaba, Austria also boast Marko Arnautovic – the country’s record appearance maker and top scorer.

Tottenham centre-back Kevin Danso and Bayern Munich‘s Konrad Laimer are two other notable stars.

In addition to Chukwuemeka, FIFA have also ratified the international switch of Paul Wanner.

The 20-year-old striker, who joined PSV from Bayern on a permanent deal last summer, had previously represented Germany at youth level.

Austria are set to feature in their first World Cup in the 21st century having last been involved in the 1998 edition in France.

They have been drawn in Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan.

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How has Carney Chukwuemeka played this season?

Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund, the Bundesliga giants forked out £24million in August 2025 to turn his temporary stay into a permanent switch.

The move ended his three-year spell at Chelsea, who he made just 32 appearances for following his 2022 move from Aston Villa.

This campaign, Chukwuemeka has featured in 30 matches in all competitions – chipping in with three goals and two assists.

It is the best goalscoring season of his career so far.