Bâle, Switzerland – Bayern Munich’s sensational young attacker, Lennart Karl, has been named to the German national team for the first time, head coach Julian Nagelsmann announced Thursday. The call-up comes as Germany prepares for friendly matches against Switzerland on March 27th in Basel and Ghana on March 30th in Stuttgart, key tune-up games ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Karl, still just 18 years old, has quickly grow a standout performer for Bayern Munich this season. His inclusion in the squad marks a significant step in his burgeoning career and signals Nagelsmann’s intent to integrate emerging talent into the national setup. Alongside Karl, Bayern teammate Jonas Urbig, a 22-year-old goalkeeper, as well received his first senior call-up.
The source of this exciting news originated with reports from Bild’s Michel Schröer, quickly corroborated by multiple outlets including Bavarian Football Works, Google News, the New York Times, and Yahoo Sports. Karl’s performances have been impossible to ignore, particularly his recent form in the Champions League.
Karl joined Bayern as a 14-year-old in 2022, progressing through the club’s youth ranks before making his senior debut last summer during the FIFA Club World Cup. He officially broke into the Bundesliga squad in August and has since played with a quality that belies his age, consistently creating chances and scoring goals. He has featured in 34 matches for Bayern this season, starting 21 of them, and has found the back of the net eight times. His most recent goal came in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Atalanta, a dominant 10-2 aggregate victory for the Bavarian giants.
The New York Times described Karl as “an exciting player as Germany has produced in some time,” noting his “scintillating technique” and comparing his impact to established stars. His ability to dribble past defenders and contribute offensively has quickly made him a fan favorite at the Allianz Arena.
Urbig, meanwhile, has established himself as Manuel Neuer’s understudy at Bayern, having joined the club in January 2025. With Neuer approaching 40 years of age, Urbig’s presence provides valuable depth in the goalkeeping position.
Notably absent from Nagelsmann’s squad is Jamal Musiala, another Bayern Munich star. Musiala is continuing his recovery from a serious ankle injury sustained in July 2025 against Paris Saint-Germain. He recently experienced renewed pain in the ankle and will remain in Munich to focus on his rehabilitation ahead of the crucial months of April and May with Bayern.
Nagelsmann indicated earlier this month, in an interview with the German publication kicker, that the March friendlies would serve as a crucial evaluation period for players vying for a spot in the final World Cup roster, which he is expected to announce in the second week of May. This suggests that Karl and Urbig will have a significant opportunity to impress the coach and stake their claim for a place in the squad heading to North America.
The inclusion of these young players reflects a broader trend within the German national team, as Nagelsmann looks to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The friendly matches against Switzerland and Ghana will provide a valuable testing ground for new tactics and player combinations. The match against Switzerland, played in Basel, will kick off at 8:45 PM local time (CET) on March 27th. The game against Ghana in Stuttgart will initiate at 8:00 PM local time (CET) on March 30th.
For Karl, this call-up represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. He now has the chance to showcase his talent on the international stage and potentially become a key player for Germany in the years to come. The upcoming friendlies will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, eager to witness what the future holds for this exciting young prospect.
It’s worth remembering that Germany is in a period of transition, seeking to re-establish itself as a major force in international football. Nagelsmann’s willingness to offer opportunities to young players like Karl and Urbig suggests a long-term vision for the national team. The success of this approach will ultimately be measured by Germany’s performance at the World Cup and beyond.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both Karl and Urbig will be their arrival at the German national team training camp ahead of the match against Switzerland. Fans can follow updates on the German Football Association’s official website and social media channels for the latest news and information.
What are your thoughts on Karl’s call-up? Do you reckon he’ll make the World Cup squad? Share your opinions in the comments below!
