Surprise after Karl’s exit from the World Cup
Nagelsmann explains re-nomination
Updated June 6, 2026 – 9:23 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The national coach made an unexpected choice when re-nominated. Before the last test match, he now explains what speaks for Assan Ouédraogo – and against Saïd El Mala.
Lennart Karl is out for the World Cup – the news shocked the DFB and also the German fans shortly before the start of the World Cup. National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Assan Ouédraogo from RB Leipzig as a replacement for the offensive player. The decision was surprising – Saïd El Mala from Cologne was actually considered the top candidate.
Now the Nagelsmann has explained his choice. El Mala’s lack of match practice was one of the deciding factors. “You just can’t ignore the fact that Said hasn’t trained for two and a half weeks, he’s done a bit of running, I think his last game was on May 16th, and Assan played on May 29th,” Nagelsmann explained to RTL before the start of the international match against the USA. This was “a very important factor”. And further: “Assan played a game with Leipzig six days ago and is totally in the mood and in the rhythm.”
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What’s more: “We don’t get any player who we have to train up for another week. He has to be fit immediately. Assan is fit and will help us move forward.”
After Karl’s torn muscle bundle, he “discussed a lot” with his coaching team during training on Friday. The decision in favor of Ouédraogo was also made because the 20-year-old made a “great impression” when he made his debut in the DFB team, including his international debut with a goal, last November, unlike other young players. It became clear relatively quickly. Assan received extremely positive feedback from all of our players, is a super pleasant person who has great abilities. And we can also handle the position differently on the outside, “explained Nagelsmann.
How did he reach Ouédraogo? “He was recently on vacation, but he was extremely happy.” Nagelsmann joked: “I think he packed straight away while I was still on the phone.” It is still unclear when exactly Ouédraogo will join the team.
The 20-year-old already addressed moving words to Karl: “I would like to wish Lenny a quick and good recovery. I am very sorry for him that he was injured so shortly before the tournament and cannot be there. That’s why, in addition to being happy, I also feel respect for the situation. I wish him all the best from the bottom of my heart and hope that he will be back on the pitch soon.”