Lennart Karl continues to be a talking point at FC Bayern and no longer just in Munich. With his courageous dribbling, pace and recklessness, the 18-year-old has also caught the eye of national coach Julian Nagelsmann in recent months. Three months before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, the squad question is becoming increasingly concrete – and Karl’s name is now being mentioned in earnest
According to Karl himself, there has not yet been any direct contact between him and the national coach , but in an interview with kicker, Nagelsmann spoke to the Bayern youngster in detail for the first time – and made it clear that he is watching him closely
„Lennart had a super stable time. Now he’s struggling a bit – also because Jamal Musiala is fit again,“ explained Nagelsmann. The reduced playing time at FC Bayern is understandable, but does not change his fundamental assessment
Profile with rarity value
Nagelsmann particularly emphasized Karl’s type of player: „He is a very interesting player, also in terms of his profile, because he often goes one-on-one, can move from the right to the inside onto his left foot and is difficult to tackle.“ It is precisely this unpredictability that can make the difference at a tournament
At the same time, the national coach made it clear that Karl doesn’t have to be a regular at FC Bayern to be considered for the World Cup. „I’m not expecting him to be a regular so that he can play in the World Cup, because he won’t.“ Rather, rhythm – and above all self-confidence – is crucial
Youthful courage instead of a „gray mouse“
Nagelsmann clearly formulated what is important: Karl must not become a „grey mouse“ in the DFB team. If he is nominated, he must bring his youthful freshness and cheekiness to the table. Otherwise, one can also rely on experienced, reliable professionals
For FC Bayern, this means that every minute on the pitch could count double for Karl in the coming weeks. Competition in the Munich attack is fierce, especially since Musiala has returned to full fitness. But even as a supplementary player, the 18-year-old can clearly make enough of a case to secure a World Cup ticket
The message from the national coach is clear: the door is open. Now it’s up to Karl to keep pushing with energy, courage and consistency – in Munich and perhaps soon in a DFB jersey on the biggest stage in world soccer.