Chukwuemeka switches eligibility to Austria from England before World Cup

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has officially switched his international allegiance from England to Austria, giving Ralf Rangnick a timely boost ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Austria, returning to the tournament for the first time since 1998, will meet Argentina, Algeria and Jordan in a challenging group stage. Born in Austria but raised in England, Chukwuemeka represented the Three Lions across all youth levels without earning a senior cap. FIFA confirmed the 22‑year‑old’s change of status late Monday, clearing him to feature as early as the March friendlies against Ghana and South Korea. 

A product of Aston Villa’s academy, Chukwuemeka moved to Chelsea in 2022 before joining Dortmund on loan in early 2025, later signing permanently. He has scored twice in 20 league appearances this season. On the same day, former Bayern Munich prospect Paul Wanner, now at PSV Eindhoven, also opted to represent Austria.