Julian Nagelsmann nominates Cologne star in World Cup squad | OneFootball

Cologne’s Said El Mala (19), who scored against Bayern Munich on Matchday 34, will be named in Julian Nagelsmann’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

According to Kölner Stadtanzeiger, El Mala was personally informed by Nagelsmann of his decision to name the young attacker in his 26-man squad.

The 19-year-old was nominated by Nagelsmann in mid-November for their World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg but did not feature. This means that El Mala, who hasn’t been called up since, is yet to earn a senior cap for the German national team.

El Mala scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances in his maiden campaign in Germany’s top flight as Cologne secured their league status, and so his nomination would certainly be deserving.

Additionally, the teenager can play in several attacking positions which would come useful to Nagelsmann.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder