• Germany secured a narrow 2-1 win against the United States in their final friendly before the World Cup finals.
• Kai Havertz delivered a decisive display, scoring the opener and creating the winner for Leroy Sané.
• Julian Nagelsmann’s side struggled for rhythm and failed to reach their top form during the match in Chicago.
• Several substitutes received low marks, with David Raum managing only four out of ten.

Germany did not play at their highest level. However, they still defeated the United States 2-1 in Chicago. This friendly match served as their final preparation game before the World Cup. The game took place on Saturday evening.

Here are the player ratings for Julian Nagelsmann’s team. We used a scale from one to ten. Ten means the player was perfect.

The substitute players did not perform well. Deniz Undav scored five points. Waldemar Anton also got five. David Raum received only four. Jamie Leweling, Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri, Leon Goretzka and Maximilian Beier did not play enough minutes to get a proper rating.

Kai Havertz started the game for Germany. He had arrived late to the training camp. This was because he played in the Champions League final with Arsenal. The twenty-six-year-old played for just over one hour. He made a big difference in the match. Havertz scored the first goal with a header. Later, he set up Leroy Sané for the winning goal.

• Lennart Karl has suffered a severe thigh muscle tear while on international duty with Germany
• The 18-year-old winger faces a recovery period of between six and twelve weeks
• Bayern Munich begin their pre-season preparations on 20 July
• The 2026-27 Bundesliga campaign kicks off on 28 August
• A twelve-week absence would force the youngster to miss the opening league fixtures

Germany’s World Cup disappointment has turned into a major headache for Lennart Karl. The teenage forward now faces an extended spell on the sidelines after picking up a serious thigh injury.

The 18-year-old attacking talent was set to play a central role for Julian Nagelsmann’s squad this term. However, a muscle bundle tear in his quadriceps has brought his preparations to a sudden halt.

The reigning German double winners now wait anxiously to learn the full extent of the damage. Medical experts state that this type of muscle tear is more severe than a simple fibre tear and demands a significantly longer healing process.

Recovery times for such injuries typically range from six to twelve weeks. Much depends on how the player’s body responds to treatment and rehabilitation.

If Karl heals within six weeks, he could return when Bayern’s pre-season begins on 20 July. However, a twelve-week absence would keep him out of the opening matches of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season.

The wide man scored five goals and provided five assists during his breakthrough campaign last term. He now faces a desperate race against time to be ready for the league opener on 28 August.

• Manuel Neuer will start in goal for Germany’s opening World Cup fixture against Curaçao next Sunday
• The 40-year-old has been out with a calf injury sustained while playing for FC Bayern Munich in mid-May
• Head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the captain’s return following the 2-1 friendly win over the United States
• Oliver Baumann receives praise for his professional attitude while covering for Neuer during recent matches

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that Manuel Neuer will return between the posts for the national team’s opening World Cup clash with Curaçao. The veteran goalkeeper has missed the side’s final warm-up matches, including Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the United States and last week’s 4-0 success against Finland.

Neuer has been recovering from a calf problem he picked up during FC Bayern Munich’s 5-1 win over 1. FC Köln on 16 May. “Manu will start training next week and will play against Curaçao,” Nagelsmann told broadcaster RTL after the match.

During Neuer’s absence, Oliver Baumann has stood in as the last line of defence. The experienced keeper served as Germany’s first choice throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign. However, he moved down the pecking order when Neuer reversed his decision to retire from international football ahead of the tournament.

Nagelsmann offered special praise for Baumann’s conduct during this period. “I want to give Oliver Baumann a huge compliment,” the manager stated. “He is a super, super guy. Over the past days and weeks, he has fully put himself at the service of the team.”

• Baumann loses Germany starting place to returning Bayern Munich legend Neuer
• The 40-year-old keeper ends international retirement to reclaim the No.1 shirt
• Hoffenheim star admits the decision hurt but vows to put the team first
• Coach Julian Nagelsmann praises Baumann’s professional attitude

Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has spoken openly about his pain after losing his role as Germany’s first-choice keeper. The 34-year-old kept goal during every World Cup qualifying match. However, he will now sit on the bench during the tournament.

Manuel Neuer has ended his international retirement to take back the gloves. The 40-year-old Bayern Munich icon missed Saturday’s friendly against the United States because of a calf problem. Baumann played instead and helped Germany secure a 2-1 win.

National team coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Neuer will return for Sunday’s opener against Curaçao. This means Baumann drops to the bench despite his strong qualifying performances.

After the match against the USA, Baumann did not hide his feelings. “It hurt at first. It was not pleasant,” he told RTL. However, he quickly changed his focus to help the team. “I knew straight away I must serve the squad. This is the World Cup. Personal feelings are not important now,” he explained.

Nagelsmann praised Baumann’s reaction. “I want to give Oliver a huge compliment. He is a super professional. He has put the team first in recent weeks,” the coach said.

• Germany defeated the United States 2-1 in a friendly clash at Soldier Field, Chicago
• Julian Nagelsmann described the fixture as an ideal preparation test for the upcoming World Cup
• The victory marks Germany’s second consecutive win in their warm-up campaign
• Germany will open their World Cup campaign on June 14 against Curaçao

Julian Nagelsmann has praised his Germany squad following their 2-1 friendly victory over the United States on Saturday. The national team boss believes the match provided valuable experience for his players ahead of the global tournament.

The 38-year-old manager highlighted that the conditions in Chicago offered an excellent examination for his team. He noted that facing the co-hosts in their home stadium, with passionate support from the stands, created a challenging environment similar to what they might face at the World Cup.

“It was a perfect test for us in terms of the weather conditions and the opponent, who plays with a lot of emotion,” Nagelsmann told RTL following the final whistle.

The triumph at Soldier Field marks Germany’s second successive win in their preparation friendlies. The coach acknowledged that achieving back-to-back victories at this stage is not a simple task.

Nagelsmann also commented on the unique atmosphere of playing against a host nation. He explained that competing in front of a partisan home crowd differs significantly from playing in neutral venues. “The atmosphere was great and we achieved a good result,” he added.

Germany will begin their World Cup journey on June 14 when they face Curaçao in their opening group match.

• Lennart Karl suffers serious muscle tear during Germany national team training session
• Antonio Rüdiger provides emotional support as 18-year-old leaves pitch in tears
• Julian Nagelsmann confirms teenager had almost secured World Cup starting place
• Squad holds moving farewell before Karl returns to Munich for rehabilitation

Germany winger Lennart Karl broke down in tears on the training pitch after suffering a severe injury that will keep him out for several weeks. The 18-year-old realised immediately that the problem was serious when he went down during a small-group session with the national team.

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger walked with the young player to the dressing room. The experienced centre-back stayed with Karl during those difficult moments, offering comfort as the teenager came to terms with the setback.

Medical staff took Karl to hospital straight after the incident. Doctors there confirmed he had torn a muscle bundle. The injury ends any hope he had of playing in the upcoming World Cup.

Later that evening, the whole squad came together to say goodbye to the youngster. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke to the group about how painful this setback was for Karl. He pointed out that the youngster had almost certainly earned a spot in the starting eleven for the tournament.

Nagelsmann then spoke directly to Karl. He told the player to stay positive because of his age. The coach said Karl will get many more chances to play at World Cups in the future.

Karl tried to thank his team-mates but could not speak through his emotion. The room went quiet several times during the farewell. Staff then drove him to the airport so he could fly back to Munich and begin his rehabilitation programme.

• Assan Ouédraogo replaces injured Lennart Karl in Germany’s World Cup squad
• The 20-year-old RB Leipzig midfielder returns after a long knee injury
• Nagelsmann praises the player’s talent and positive start with the national team
• Germany face the United States in their final warm-up match on Saturday

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has added Assan Ouédraogo to his World Cup squad. The 20-year-old will replace Lennart Karl, who suffered an injury on Friday and cannot play in the tournament.

Ouédraogo plays his club football for RB Leipzig. He made his senior international debut in November last year. The midfielder came off the bench and scored in a 6-0 win against Slovakia. However, a knee problem kept him out of action for most of the second half of the season.

Nagelsmann explained his choice on the German Football Association’s website. He said that Ouédraogo started well with the national team, just like Karl. The coach called him highly talented. He wants the player to show confidence and courage on the pitch.

The German team will play their final warm-up fixture on Saturday night. They meet the United States in this friendly clash before the World Cup begins.

• Eighteen-year-old Bayern Munich striker Lennart Karl faces an anxious wait after sustaining a serious injury during Germany’s training session.
• Head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the player has gone to hospital for scans and may miss the upcoming World Cup.
• Captain Manuel Neuer will also sit out Saturday’s friendly against the United States as he continues his return to full fitness.
• VfB Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav will only be available for a maximum of 30 minutes in the match.

Germany’s preparations for the World Cup have suffered a major setback. Young forward Lennart Karl picked up a worrying knock during training on Friday.

The Bayern Munich starlet had to leave the session early after the incident. Manager Julian Nagelsmann addressed the media later that day and gave a grim update on the player’s condition.

“It did not look very good,” Nagelsmann admitted. He explained that the squad was taking Karl to hospital immediately for medical scans. The coach refused to give specific details about the nature of the injury.

Nagelsmann asked supporters and journalists to respect the player’s privacy during this difficult period. “Please give him some space for a moment. The player needs time to process this, and so do we,” he said.

The German camp now faces an anxious wait for the scan results. They hope Karl can recover in time for the tournament, but they may need to call up a replacement if the damage proves severe.

In further team news, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will not feature against the United States this weekend. The Bayern captain is still building up his fitness, and the coaching staff do not want to risk his health.

Meanwhile, VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav will only play for approximately 30 minutes in the friendly. He has also had to reduce his training workload this week.

• Manuel Neuer misses Germany’s final warm-up match against the United States due to a calf problem.
• Head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirms he will not risk his captain ahead of the World Cup.
• Oliver Baumann will start in goal for Saturday’s clash in Neuer’s absence.
• The 40-year-old Bayern Munich keeper expects to recover fully for the June 14 opener against Curaçao.
• Teenage talent Lennart Karl also sits out the fixture after picking up an injury in training.

Manuel Neuer will not play for Germany against the United States this Saturday. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper misses the final warm-up match before the World Cup.

The 40-year-old captain has not played for three weeks. He suffered a calf injury and missed training on Friday.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann explained the situation at a press conference. He said Neuer is recovering well, but the medical team will not gamble with his fitness.

“We want to increase the likelihood that he gets through the tournament perfectly,” the coach stated.

Neuer should return for Germany’s World Cup opener against Curaçao on June 14. Nagelsmann confirmed the keeper will join full training next week.

Oliver Baumann will start between the posts against the USA. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper also played in the 4-0 victory over Finland last weekend.

Germany also lose teenage talent Lennart Karl for the clash. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich player picked up an injury in training.

• Eighteen-year-old striker Lennart Karl is out of the 2026 World Cup with a torn muscle
• The Bayern Munich talent suffered the injury during Germany’s final training session in Chicago
• An MRI scan confirmed the damage after the player limped off the pitch
• Coach Julian Nagelsmann is now deciding on the best treatment plan for the forward
• The German camp may send Karl back to Munich to begin his recovery

Germany’s national team has suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Young attacker Lennart Karl will miss the tournament due to a serious muscle injury.

The Bayern Munich star tore a muscle bundle during practice in Chicago. Medical staff sent him for an MRI scan after he limped off the field with twenty minutes remaining. The results confirmed the bad news.

This injury ends Karl’s dream of playing at his first World Cup. The tournament will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico. He had hoped to make his debut on football’s biggest stage.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann and his staff are now planning the next steps. They are discussing whether the versatile forward should return to Munich for treatment. The priority is his full recovery.

The German squad must now prepare for the competition without the teenage prodigy. His absence is a significant setback for the team’s attacking options.