News Focus
- Julian Nagelsmann has drafted Assan Ouédraogo into Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad as a late replacement.
- Lennart Karl withdraws from the tournament after suffering a torn muscle bundle injury.
- Ouédraogo has contributed four goals and three assists in 19 Bundesliga appearances for RB Leipzig this season.
- The midfielder has earned just one senior cap for Germany prior to this call-up.
- The 20-year-old will now travel to North America for the finals across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Julian Nagelsmann has turned to RB Leipzig talent Assan Ouédraogo following an injury blow to Lennart Karl. The Germany head coach confirmed the change after the 18-year-old Karl tore a muscle bundle, ending his hopes of featuring in the upcoming World Cup.
According to Sky Germany, Nagelsmann contacted the 20-year-old directly to inform him of his place in the squad. Ouédraogo will now join the four-time world champions for the finals in North America.
The midfielder has faced his own fitness struggles this term. Knee problems limited the former Schalke academy prospect to just 19 league matches for the Saxony-based club. Despite this, he managed to score four times and set up three goals from the middle of the park.
The Mülheim-born star has limited experience at senior international level. He has made only one appearance for Die Mannschaft to date. Now he has the chance to add to that tally on the biggest stage in world football.