Said El Mala Misses Germany Squad: Nagelsmann Calls Up Köln Talent to U21s | EURO Qualification News

COLOGNE, Germany – Rising Bundesliga talent Said El Mala has been omitted from Germany’s senior national team squad for upcoming international matches, according to reports from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg. Instead, the 1. FC Köln winger has received a call-up to the Germany U21 team for their EURO qualification games against Northern Ireland and Greece.

The news, which is expected to be officially confirmed by Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann at 2:00 PM CET on Thursday, represents a shift in direction for the 19-year-old, who had recently been included in the senior team setup. This decision comes as Nagelsmann prepares his squad for the final international break before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making the selection process particularly scrutinized.

El Mala’s Recent Form and Nagelsmann’s Previous Comments

El Mala has been a key player for 1. FC Köln this season, registering nine goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances as of March 14, 2026, according to Wikipedia. His performances have drawn attention, and he was previously called up to the senior national team in November. However, Nagelsmann publicly questioned El Mala’s consistency, stating in mid-March that the player was only performing at “50 percent” and attributing the issue to the player himself rather than coaching.

Recent reports from Bild indicate that El Mala has responded positively to Nagelsmann’s criticism, rediscovering his form and becoming a consistent performer for Köln despite the team’s struggles in the Bundesliga relegation battle. He has started in three of the last four league matches and appears to be a key component of Köln’s attack. The player himself has stated he is focused on improving his game and letting his performances speak for themselves, according to Bild.

U21 Qualification and the Path to the 2026 World Cup

The U21 EURO qualification games against Northern Ireland and Greece present an opportunity for El Mala to continue his development on the international stage. The U21 team serves as a crucial pathway for young German players to gain experience and potentially earn future call-ups to the senior squad. Tom Bischof of Bayern Munich will join El Mala in the U21 setup.

For El Mala, this selection represents a chance to showcase his abilities and address the concerns raised by Nagelsmann. A strong showing in the U21 qualifiers could put him back in contention for a spot in the senior squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, which will be hosted in North America, is a major goal for the German national team, and Nagelsmann is likely evaluating all available options as he builds his squad.

El Mala’s Career Trajectory

Born in Krefeld, Germany, on August 26, 2006, El Mala has quickly risen through the ranks of German football. His career began with Linner SV in 2012, followed by stints at KFC Uerdingen 05, Borussia Mönchengladbach, TSV Meerbusch, and Viktoria Köln. He signed his first professional contract with Viktoria Köln in February 2024 before making a move to 1. FC Köln later that year. His parents, Mohammed and Sabrina, both work at consumer goods company Henkel, and his older brother, Malek, is likewise a professional footballer.

El Mala’s versatility as a winger and his ability to contribute goals and assists have made him a valuable asset for both Köln and the German youth national teams. He has represented Germany at the U18 and U19 levels, scoring seven goals in 15 appearances for the U19 team. His recent call-up to the U21 team is a testament to his progress and potential.

What’s Next for El Mala and the German National Teams

Nagelsmann is scheduled to announce the full senior national team squad on Thursday at 2:00 PM CET. The team will then prepare for upcoming international friendlies against Switzerland on March 27th and Ghana on March 30th. The U21 team will start their EURO qualification campaign shortly thereafter.

El Mala will now focus on performing well for the U21 team and proving his worth to Nagelsmann. His performances in the upcoming qualifiers will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they could determine his chances of being included in the final World Cup squad. The next confirmed checkpoint for El Mala is his participation in the U21 EURO qualification match against Northern Ireland.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.