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Former Chelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka has officially decided to set up camp with Austria ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His switch has been ratified by FIFA, as the 22-year-old midfielder chose to represent Austria, the country where he was born, despite being eligible to play for England, where he grew up and Nigeria, his parents’ homeland.
Apart from Austria and England, Chukwuemeka is also eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level through his Nigerian parents.
Chukwuemeka’s last involvement with England came via an Under-21 call-up in 2023, but injury prevented him from featuring.
His inclusion will provide a boost to Ralf Rangnick’s squad as the Austrian continues to look to lower the average age of his midfield.
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Chukwuemeka’s decision also reflects his current stability at club level. After struggling for consistent playing time at Chelsea, he secured a permanent £24 million move to Borussia Dortmund in August 2025 after a successful loan spell.
He could make his senior international debut later this month, with Austria scheduled to face Ghana on March 27 before facing South Korea on March 31.
Before that, Chukwuemeka aims to finish the season well with Dortmund. The Bundesliga side currently sit second in the league standings with 55 points from 25 matches, 11 points behind leaders Bayern Munich, and will face Augsburg on Saturday.
He is a regular presence at Signal Iduna Park, contributing five goals in 30 appearances in all competitions.
