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Germany's 18-Year-Old Karl Out, Ouédraogo Replaces Him

6/6/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lennart Karl, Germany’s 18-year-old midfielder, will miss the 2026 World Cup after tearing left-thigh muscle fibers on June 5, 2026.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann said the German FA will replace Karl with RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo.
Karl had scored nine Bayern goals and earned three caps, including a 4-0 win over Finland.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also misses the U.S. friendly because of a calf injury.

History

Historical Context

In 2002 Germany reached the World Cup final but lost 2-0 to Brazil after Michael Ballack missed the match due to a yellow-card suspension, despite scoring in the semi-final. The 2026 squad, now missing Lennart Karl, Assan Ouédraogo and veteran keeper Manuel Neuer, again leans on depth that once produced an 8-0 group win over Saudi Arabia.

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Story summary

Lennart Karl, Germany’s 18-year-old midfielder, will miss the 2026 World Cup after tearing left-thigh muscle fibers on June 5, 2026.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann said the German FA will replace Karl with RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo.
Karl had scored nine Bayern goals and earned three caps, including a 4-0 win over Finland.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also misses the U.S. friendly because of a calf injury.

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