Germany's Lennart Karl Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup Due to Injury
Bayern Munich midfielder Lennart Karl, 18, suffered a torn muscle bundle in his left thigh during German national team training in Chicago on June 5, 2026, forcing him to withdraw from the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Julian Nagelsmann called up RB Leipzig's Assan Ouedraogo as a replacement. Karl expressed devastation on Instagram, while Germany prepares for their opening match against Curaçao on June 14 in Houston.
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Assan Ouédraogo Recounts Surprise Last-Minute World Cup Call-Up, Coach Asked If He Was Drunk
Assan Ouédraogo, a 20-year-old RB Leipzig midfielder, received a last-minute call-up to Germany's 2026 World Cup squad after Lennart Karl withdrew due to a thigh injury. During a press conference, Ouédraogo humorously described how he was lying on a deck chair relaxing with friends when coach Julian Nagelsmann called to inform him of his selection. His excited reaction prompted Nagelsmann to ask if he was drunk, but Ouédraogo clarified he does not drink. The young player, who has 5 goals and 3 assists in 26 matches this season and one goal in his only Germany appearance, will join the squad for their World Cup opener against Curaçao on June 14.
Home Football - actualitésNagelsmann Asked Me If I Was Drunk!
Assan Ouédraogo, a 20-year-old Leipzig player, was called up at the last minute by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to replace the injured Lennart Karl for the 2026 World Cup. Overjoyed about his first World Cup appearance, Ouédraogo humorously recounted how he learned the news, with Nagelsmann jokingly asking if he was drunk. The article, published on June 11, 2026, by L'Équipe, highlights the young player's excitement and the unexpected nature of the call-up.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuAssan Ouedraogo on Nagelsmann Call-Up: 'He Thought I Was Drunk'
German midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, called up as a late replacement for the injured Karl in Germany's World Cup squad, described receiving the call from coach Julian Nagelsmann while on vacation. In a press conference with teammate David Raum, Ouedraogo recounted his shock and excitement, noting Nagelsmann jokingly asked if he was drunk. The 19-year-old RB Leipzig player discussed his versatility, his admiration for teammates like Raum and Manuel Neuer, his recovery from injuries, and his gratitude for youth coach Norbert Elgert's tough mentorship. He also expressed eagerness to face his former club Schalke and called the World Cup the 'ultimate goal' after winning U17 titles.
虎扑 - 足球DFB President Neuendorf Calls for Defiant Reaction After Lennart Karl's World Cup Injury
German national soccer team young star Lennart Karl (18) has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after tearing a muscle bundle in his left thigh during final training. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf urged the team to respond with defiance, saying 'now more than ever' and that everyone must play a part to compensate for the loss. National coach Julian Nagelsmann called it a 'big shock'. In the final test match against the USA in Chicago, Leroy Sané is expected to replace Karl, while Nathaniel Brown may start at left defense. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, recovering from a calf injury, is expected to start in the first World Cup game against Curaçao. The article also notes that newly nominated Assan Ouédraogo may struggle to fill the gap left by Karl.
Nachrichten - WELTLate-Nominated DFB Star Assan Ouédraogo Addresses Injured Lennart Karl After World Cup Call-Up
Assan Ouédraogo, a 20-year-old attacking talent from RB Leipzig, has been nominated for the 2026 World Cup by German national coach Julian Nagelsmann just five days before the tournament starts. He replaces Lennart Karl, who suffered a torn muscle bundle. Ouédraogo, who was on vacation in Marbella when he received the call, expressed both joy and respect for Karl's situation, wishing him a speedy recovery. Ouédraogo has struggled with a persistent knee tendon injury this season. He will travel to the DFB team's World Cup camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Sunday, ahead of the main squad arriving on Monday. He described the nomination as a childhood dream fulfilled and pledged to help the team in any role.
BILD - SportGermany's Starting Lineup Revealed for Final World Cup Test Against USA
The German national football team, under coach Julian Nagelsmann, will play their final World Cup test match against the USA on June 6, 2026. The team faces a setback as right winger Lennart Karl (18) suffered a muscle bundle tear in training and will miss the tournament. Leroy Sané (30) replaces him in the starting lineup. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (40) is also absent due to calf issues, with Oliver Baumann (36) starting in goal. Kai Havertz (26) starts as striker instead of Deniz Undav, who scored twice against Finland. The starting XI is: Baumann – Brown, Schlotterbeck, Tah, Kimmich – Nmecha, Pavlovic – Wirtz, Musiala, Sané – Havertz. The match is a dress rehearsal for the World Cup hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
BILD - SportNagelsmann Nominates Ouedraogo for World Cup After Karl Injury
German national coach Julian Nagelsmann has called up RB Leipzig's Assan Ouedraogo (20) to replace injured Bayern star Lennart Karl (18) for the 2026 World Cup in the USA. Karl tore a muscle bundle and left the team on Friday. Ouedraogo, a 2023 U17 world champion, was surprised but extremely happy to receive the call from Nagelsmann directly while on vacation in Marbella. His versatility, ability to play on wings or in center, strong character, and previous international debut (scoring as a substitute in a 6-0 win against Slovakia in November) were key factors. Cologne's Saïd El Mala had been expected but Ouedraogo's profile won out. He will travel to the World Cup camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Sunday, arriving before the team on Monday.
BILD - SportNagelsmann confirms Lennart Karl will miss World Cup, names Assan Ouedraogo as replacement
Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that 18-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Lennart Karl will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a muscle tear suffered in training on Friday. Nagelsmann expressed disappointment, calling it a big blow for the player and the team, but noted Karl's youth as a consolation. The coach announced that RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, 20, will replace Karl. Ouedraogo made his Germany debut in a recent 6-0 win over Slovakia in World Cup qualifying. Germany is currently in the United States, where they will play a preparatory friendly against the US team before their World Cup opener against Curaçao on June 14.
FútbolWorld Cup Out for Karl: Nagelsmann Nominates Ouédraogo as Replacement
German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has called up RB Leipzig's Assan Ouédraogo (20) to replace injured Bayern Munich star Lennart Karl (18) for the 2026 World Cup. Karl tore a muscle bundle and left the US training camp on Friday. Ouédraogo, a 2023 U17 world champion, was surprised but delighted by the call, which came while he was on vacation in Marbella. Nagelsmann values Ouédraogo's versatility, as he can play on the wings or centrally, and his strong character, having been well-received during his international debut in November 2024. Ouédraogo will travel directly to the World Cup camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Sunday, arriving before the rest of the team on Monday.
BILD - SportGermany's Lennart Karl Withdraws from 2026 World Cup Due to Injury
Bayern Munich's 18-year-old talent Lennart Karl has been forced to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a muscle injury during Germany's preparation match against Finland (4-0). The injury dashes his hopes of making his World Cup debut. In response, the German Football Federation has called up RB Leipzig's Assan Ouédraogo as his replacement. Karl expressed his devastation on Instagram, stating, 'It hurts indescribably to have to miss the biggest tournament.' He promised to return stronger and wished his teammates success. The article, published by Foot Mercato on June 6, 2026, highlights the blow to Julian Nagelsmann's squad just days before the tournament.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertWorld Cup Out for Lennart Karl; Assan Ouedraogo Named Replacement
German national team winger Lennart Karl (18) has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup after suffering a torn muscle in the final training session before the team's last test match against the USA. The DFB confirmed the injury late Friday evening. Karl, considered a rising star and a likely starter on the right wing, was injured during training and an MRI confirmed the worst fears. National coach Julian Nagelsmann subsequently nominated Assan Ouedraogo (20) of RB Leipzig as his replacement. Ouedraogo, a versatile attacking midfielder who can play on the wings or centrally, made his international debut in November 2025, scoring a goal against Slovakia. Nagelsmann is known to be a fan of Ouedraogo, who returned strongly from injuries late in the season. Karl had been competing with Leroy Sané and Jamie Leweling for the starting right-wing position.
BILD - SportGermany's Lennart Karl Withdraws from 2026 World Cup Due to Injury; Assan Ouedraogo Called Up
Less than a week before the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11-July 19), Germany suffered a setback as young Bayern Munich prodigy Lennart Karl withdrew due to a torn muscle bundle in his left thigh suffered during training on Friday. The German Football Federation (DFB) announced the injury on Instagram, expressing support. Coach Julian Nagelsmann called up RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Assan Ouedraogo as a replacement. Ouedraogo, 20, scored on his only previous Germany appearance in November against Slovakia. Nagelsmann also confirmed that 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, returning from international retirement, will not play in the final pre-World Cup friendly against the United States on June 6 in Chicago, but is expected to start Germany's opening match against Curaçao on June 14 in Houston. The article includes the full 26-man Germany squad list.
Home Football - actualitésLennart Karl Injured in Training, Could Miss 2026 World Cup
Bayern Munich midfielder Lennart Karl suffered an injury during German national team training on Friday, June 5, 2026, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the 2026 World Cup. German coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the news at a press conference, stating the situation 'didn't look good' and that Karl had been taken to the hospital for tests. According to German media, the injury is muscular. The 18-year-old Bayern player's availability for the World Cup depends on the results of these exams. Germany is in Group E of the tournament, alongside Ivory Coast, Curaçao, and Ecuador.
RecordYoung Lennart Karl injured and uncertain for the 2026 World Cup with Germany
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann announced on Friday that 18-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Lennart Karl is doubtful for the 2026 World Cup after sustaining an injury during training in Chicago. Speaking on the eve of Germany's final friendly against the United States, Nagelsmann said Karl would go to the hospital for a scan, adding 'it doesn't smell good.' The coach did not reveal the nature of the injury but stated a diagnosis is needed before deciding whether to call up a replacement. Karl has been a revelation for Bayern this season with 40 matches, 9 goals, and 8 assists, and started Germany's recent 4-0 friendly win over Finland where he recorded an assist. The World Cup in North America runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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