Bayern youngster Karl for the 2026 World Cup? Völler puts the brakes on expectations | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is currently shining at FC Bayern, but DFB sports director Rudi Völler is tempering expectations with a view to a World Cup nomination.

Lennart Karl remains one of the most exciting rising stars of this Bundesliga season. The 17-year-old is currently providing FC Bayern with highlights almost on a weekly basis and also scored again in the 6-2 win against SC Freiburg. The discussions about a possible quick nomination for the senior national team are thus continuing to gather pace. DFB sports director Rudi Völler sees Karl’s development as extremely positive – but at the same time warns against premature expectations.

On Bild TV, Völler had clear words to say about the Bayern talent’s explosion in performance. „He’s making huge strides and is getting better and better. We’re all delighted in Germany that we have such talented players who are developing like this,“ said the 64-year-old. For the DFB, Karl’s progress is a pleasing sign, but the next step towards the senior national team now lies with the player himself.

According to his own statements, Karl has not yet had any discussions with national coach Julian Nagelsmann. And Völler himself does not want to make any hasty claims either. He made it clear that a lot could still happen in the 2026 World Cup year – but only on the condition that Karl stabilizes his performances. „If he continues like this, then it’s top,“ explained Völler, but warned: „There will certainly be a few troughs where things don’t go so well.“

Völler on Karl: „We’ll have to wait and see“

One thing is clear: the attacking player has made an impression in recent weeks that is unusual at this age. Three goals in two games for the German U21s, plus strong Bundesliga performances – Karl has long been regarded as one of the most exciting young German players. Nevertheless, Völler remains deliberately cautious when it comes to the World Cup question. „We’ll have to wait and see,“ he emphasized soberly.

photo: IMAGO

The competitive situation at FC Bayern is also challenging. With the imminent return of Jamal Musiala, Karl’s playing time could decrease again. Other attacking players such as Michael Olise or Serge Gnabry also shape the statics in attack. The fact that Karl still regularly provides impetus shows his enormous potential – but Völler does not want to fuel a premature World Cup nomination at this point in time.