Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has called up Assan Ouedraogo to the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad as a replacement for Lennart Karl, who has been ruled out through injury. Reports indicate that Karl suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh during training, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament just days before Germany’s opening match.
The 20-year-old RB Leipzig midfielder had narrowly missed out on the original squad but now receives a major opportunity on football’s biggest stage. Ouedraogo previously made his senior Germany debut in late 2025 and impressed by scoring against Slovakia, earning praise for his talent and composure.
For Germany, Karl’s absence is a significant blow after the teenager enjoyed a breakthrough season with Bayern Munich. However, Ouedraogo’s inclusion adds another exciting young talent to a squad aiming to challenge for a fifth World Cup title.
From missing the initial squad to representing Germany at the World Cup — Assan Ouedraogo’s dream is now a reality.
