Germany’s Lennart Karl Out of World Cup with Injury, Replaced by Assan Ouedraogo
Lennart Karl zieht sich im Abschlusstraining vor dem Test gegen die USA eine schwerwiegende Muskelverletzung zu und kann die WM nicht spielen. Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann nominiert einen Leipziger nach.
Germany’s rising midfield star Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a serious injury during training, the German Football Association (DFB) confirmed on June 5, 2026. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder, hailed as one of the most promising talents in the squad, will be replaced by RB Leipzig’s Assan Ouedraogo, according to a DFB statement.
The injury occurred during a training session in Illinois ahead of Germany’s final pre-tournament friendly against the United States on June 6. Karl was immediately taken to the hospital for scans, with the DFB stating that the extent of the damage remains under evaluation. The decision to withdraw him from the World Cup squad came less than two weeks before Germany’s opening match against Curacao on June 14.
Coach Nagelsmann Expresses Disappointment
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his frustration over the setback, calling it a “huge shock” for the team. “Lenny is a key part of our squad,” Nagelsmann said in a DFB release. “His creativity, pace, and personality have been vital to our setup. It’s heartbreaking that he’ll miss the tournament, but he’s young and has plenty of opportunities ahead.”
The coach emphasized that Karl’s absence would require tactical adjustments. “With Ouedraogo, we’re getting a player who brings similar qualities—boldness, technical ability, and a hunger to perform,” Nagelsmann added. “We’ll need to adapt quickly, but the squad remains strong.”
Karl’s Breakthrough Season and Rising Star Status
Karl, who joined Bayern Munich’s first team in the 2025-26 season, made a stunning impact. He scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 40 appearances, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Champions League goal-scorer. His rapid rise earned him a debut for the German national team in March 2026, where he played a pivotal role in a 4-0 win over Finland.
Despite his young age, Karl had already become a fan favorite for his flair and composure on the ball. His exclusion from the World Cup has sparked immediate reactions from supporters, with many expressing hope for a swift recovery.
Ouedraogo Steps In as Replacement
Assan Ouedraogo, 22, has been called up to the squad as Karl’s replacement. The RB Leipzig midfielder, who has 12 caps for Germany, is known for his versatility and work rate. Nagelsmann highlighted Ouedraogo’s potential to “play boldly and freely,” mirroring Karl’s style.
The DFB confirmed that Ouedraogo’s inclusion adheres to FIFA rules allowing replacements for “serious injury or illness” up to 24 hours before a team’s first World Cup match. The decision comes amid tight scheduling, with Germany’s squad now set for the tournament.
Impact on Germany’s World Cup Campaign
Karl’s injury raises questions about Germany’s midfield strategy. The team, aiming to build on its 2014 World Cup victory,
