Germany suffered a significant pre-tournament blow at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after teenage attacking midfielder Lennart Karl was ruled out of the entire competition with a muscle tear in his left thigh, sustained during a training session in Chicago on Friday, 6 June. Coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the setback on Saturday, announcing that Assan Ouedraogo would step in as Karl's replacement in the squad.

How the Injury Happened

The 18-year-old picked up the injury during a training session in Chicago and was subsequently taken to hospital. Germany had arrived in the United States on Tuesday to complete their pre-tournament preparations, making the timing particularly damaging — just days before the group stage kicks off.

Karl's inclusion in the squad had been widely celebrated as a statement of intent by Nagelsmann, given the teenager's rapid ascent through European football.

Nagelsmann's Reaction

The Germany head coach did not hide his disappointment, offering an emotional tribute to the sidelined youngster. Nagelsmann said: 'I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny. With his light-heartedness, creativity, pace, and personality, he fit into the team perfectly.'

He added: 'It is a huge shock for him and for all of us that he will miss the World Cup. It is only a small consolation that he is young and still has many tournaments ahead of him.'

Karl's Rise and What Germany Loses

Karl had enjoyed a breakthrough season with Bayern Munich, helping the club secure the domestic double and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Those performances had earned him a coveted place in Germany's World Cup plans, making him one of the most anticipated young talents at the tournament.

His absence leaves Germany without a player who blended technical creativity with attacking pace — qualities that Nagelsmann had clearly built tactical plans around.

Ouedraogo Called Up as Replacement

Germany have turned to Assan Ouedraogo to fill the void. Nagelsmann was quick to back the replacement, saying: 'With Assan Ouedraogo, we are getting a player who, like Lenny, had a great start with us. He is also highly talented and is meant to play here boldly and freely.'

The call-up hands Ouedraogo an unexpected opportunity on the sport's biggest stage, and Nagelsmann's framing suggests the youngster will be encouraged to play without inhibition.

Germany's World Cup Ambitions and Group Stage Fixtures

The four-time world champions have endured back-to-back group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups — a painful run for a nation accustomed to deep tournament runs. Their last major international triumph remains the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Drawn in Group E, Germany open their campaign against Curacao on 14 June, before facing Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the remaining group fixtures. Nagelsmann's squad has openly declared their intent to lift the trophy, and the Karl setback will test their squad depth from the very first week of the tournament.