“Toughest decision”
DFB talent decides against the German national team
Updated March 6, 2026 – 5:08 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Midfielder Paul Wanner will play for his native Austria at the World Cup. The decision was not easy for him.
The young German talent Paul Wanner has decided against a career in the German national football team and will play for Austria in the future. “It was probably the hardest decision of my career,” the 20-year-old midfielder told the pay-TV channel Sky. Wanner was born in Austria, but came through the DFB youth national team. “I have two hearts in my chest and I feel extremely honored that two associations tried to convince me to play for their national team,” he said.
He had “open and honest conversations” with Austria’s national coach Ralf Rangnick and his coaching team over a long period of time. After many more discussions with his family, he decided to play for Austria.
At the same time, he thanked Germany’s U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo and national coach Julian Nagelsmann for the “fair discussions” and that they did not exert any pressure. Wanner has played through all of the DFB youth teams and most recently played nine games for the U21 national team. Last summer he reached the European Championship final with the U21 national team. “I really enjoyed being part of the German youth national teams.” Julian Nagelsmann wanted to nominate him for the DFB team at the end of 2024, but Wanner refused.
However, his decision for Austria is no guarantee of participation in the World Cup. Wanner emphasized that he wanted to confirm his sporting development. “The World Cup is a dream for every player. Like every other player, I have to earn a nomination. I will do everything to achieve that.” In the group stage, Austria will face Argentina, Algeria and Jordan.
In the summer, Wanner moved from FC Bayern to PSV Eindhoven. In 26 competitive games he has four goals and three assists.
