Raum & Ouédraogo chasing dream of a fifth World Cup title for Germany | OneFootball

How does Julian Nagelsmann plan to use David Raum? Why has Assan Ouédraogo been called up? Shortly before Germany’s World Cup opener against Curaçao, the national team coach has given clear answers on both Leipzig players.

In Assan’s case, several factors proved decisive after Lennart Karl was ruled out through injury: the strong impression he made in the Germany set-up, positive feedback from the squad and, crucially, the advantage he gained from having recently taken part in the Red Bulls’ trip to South Africa.

Nagelsmann made it clear that our captain still figures in his plans on the left flank – as a key player, an emotional leader and an important factor for the tournament ahead.

Decision to call up Ouédraogo made “relatively quickly”

After Karl was ruled out, he “relatively quickly” decided on Assan, Nagelsmann explained to RTL before the successful final World Cup warm-up against co-hosts USA, which Germany won 2-1. “We definitely wanted to take a young player with us and went for the one who, alongside Lenny, made the best impression with us.”

The right-footer also made a strong impression as a person. “After our camp in November, Assan received extremely positive feedback from all the players. He’s a really nice person with great ability.” The youngster underlined that impression with a debut goal in what is still his only senior Germany appearance to date, scoring in the 6-0 win over Slovakia at the Red Bull Arena.

Another point in his favour was that, while other candidates had recently had less match practice and training time, the 20-year-old was on the pitch for RBL in the friendly against Mamelodi Sundowns on 29th May. “Assan is still in the right rhythm. He played and trained with Leipzig in South Africa,” said Nagelsmann. “There’s no point in us bringing in a player we need to build up again for a week. He has to be fit straight away.”

That means our number 20 has everything needed to help Germany straight away – whether as a number 10, out wide or slightly deeper in central midfield.

Suddenly, the national team head coach was on the phone

Assan himself was caught slightly off guard by the national team head coach’s call while on holiday in Marbella. “When Julian Nagelsmann told me I was now part of the squad, I needed a moment to take it in and process it before packing my things straight away. It’s a huge honour and makes me very proud to represent Germany at the World Cup,” said our midfielder, who naturally also felt sympathy for Lennart Karl. “I feel really sorry for him. That’s why, alongside the excitement, I also have a lot of respect for the situation.”

Raum or Brown – who starts at left-back?

While a regular starting XI is taking shape at most positions for Germany ahead of the World Cup, things remain open at left-back. Nagelsmann summed up the competition between David Raum and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown, who started against Finland and the USA, like this: “They’re both doing well. You can’t criticise David. He was a bit under the weather towards the end of the league season and wasn’t able to play every game.” At the same time, the national team head coach made clear: “No matter which of the two starts against Curaçao, we’re going to need both of them over the course of the tournament.”

Our captain came on for Brown in the 61st minute against the USA. Raum brought pace down the left and whipped in a razor-sharp cross in the 78th minute that reached Deniz Undav via Jamie Leweling and created danger. Once again, the left-footer showed exactly what sets him apart: energy, presence and leadership.

That role could become crucial as the tournament goes on. The Franconia-born defender is more than just a left-back for Germany – he is an emotional leader, someone who drives others on, lifts the team and can help shape a tournament. At the home EUROs in 2024, he already showed how quickly he can take responsibility on the biggest stage.

Excitement building

Germany may not be heading into the 2026 World Cup as outright favourites, but the right mix is there: experience, hunger for titles and youthful energy. The group stage against Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador offers the chance to grow into the tournament. And once the knockout rounds arrive, anything can happen in a one-off game. The dream of a fifth World Cup title, after 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, is very much alive.

Right at the heart of it are two Red Bulls on the world stage: David Raum as the experienced driving force, and Assan Ouédraogo as the highly talented newcomer who has fulfilled a childhood dream shortly before the tournament begins.

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