Lennart Karl has been withdrawn from Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad after sustaining an injury during a national team training session in Chicago, Illinois, on 5 June 2026.

BOLASPORT.COM – Lennart Karl opened up about his heartbreak after being officially ruled out of representing Germany at the 2026 World Cup.

His dream came crashing down just six days before the opening of the world’s biggest football tournament.

On Friday (5 June 2026), the 18-year-old Bayern Munich wonderkid suffered an injury during training with the German national team in Chicago.

The talented teenager was devastated after receiving his medical diagnosis.

Doctors confirmed a tear in the muscle fibers of his left thigh, effectively ending his hopes of making his World Cup debut that was just within reach.

Through his Instagram account, the gifted playmaker expressed his deep sorrow, his pain evident in his post.

Karl shared a black-and-white photo of himself lying on the pitch, accompanied by a heart-wrenching caption.

Despite the setback, Karl pledged his continued support for his teammates as they chase Germany’s first World Cup trophy since 2014.

“I don’t even know where to start.”

“It’s incredibly painful to miss out on the biggest tournament there is,” he wrote in his Instagram post.

“I’ve done everything I could to be at my best for the World Cup, but unfortunately, the injury came at the worst possible time.”

“I wish the team all the success in the world and will be cheering for them all the way.”

“I’ll come back stronger, I promise. Thank you for all your messages.”

Missing out on the 2026 World Cup shattered the momentum Karl had built so perfectly in the lead-up to the tournament.

He had enjoyed a brilliant first full season with Bayern Munich, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

Missing the Chance to Play Alongside His Idol

Karl’s quick feet, small stature, left-footed brilliance, and sharp vision on the field have drawn comparisons to Argentine legend Lionel Messi.

The nickname “German Messi” given to him is far from just an online sensation.

Karl himself has admitted that Messi is his idol—so much so that he wears shin guards featuring the image of the Barcelona legend on his left leg.

“He’s been my role model ever since I started playing football,” Karl once said in an earlier interview.

Sadly, Karl’s chance to share the same stage with his idol at the 2026 World Cup has vanished.

It’s uncertain if he’ll ever get another opportunity, especially with Messi expected to play his final World Cup.

Bayern Munich’s Sporting Director, Max Eberl, also expressed sympathy for the young player’s situation.

“Missing the World Cup at such short notice is obviously very painful, and this news came as a shock to everyone at FC Bayern,” he said.

“But it doesn’t change the fact that Lenny has extraordinary talent, passion, and potential.”

“He truly deserved to play in this World Cup after such an outstanding first professional season.”

“Lenny will receive full support from FC Bayern as he recovers, and we all know there are many more major tournaments ahead for him.”

“He’s already motivated again and has said he’ll come back stronger.”

“That’s what I love about him, and that’s the spirit needed in moments like this,” Eberl added on the official account of the German football powerhouse.