As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ draws closer, we are spotlighting some youngsters seemingly set to illuminate the beautiful game’s greatest tournament.
Lennart Karl
Date of birth: 22 February 2008 Teams: Germany and Bayern Munich International debut: 27 March 2026 v Switzerland (aged 18) Position: Attacking midfielder/right winger Standout skills: Dribbling, finishing, dynamism and creativity
Why Karl could be a World Cup sensation
Long touted as a top talent, the silky schemer has burst onto the scene at the very highest level and served several notices that he is destined for big things. In the space of a single season, Karl has gone from youth prospect to household name at Bayern Munich under the astute stewardship of Vincent Kompany, capturing the first major silverware of his budding career along the way when the Bavarians clinched the Bundesliga title on 19 April.
The starlet’s stats speak for themselves: not only had he plundered five goals and set up a further five in 25 league appearances by early May but he has also come up with the goods in the UEFA Champions League, scoring four times and chalking up two assists in eight outings.
The first of those continental strikes – the deadlock-breaker in the 4-0 win over Club Brugge in October, which came at the age of just 17 years and 242 days – made the Bayern Munich prodigy the youngest-ever German goalscorer in Europe’s premier club competition and catapulted him to global prominence.
Moreover, the teenager is still improving and adding more strings to his bow, most notably having bolstered his defensive game in recent times under the watchful eye of former centre-back Kompany with a view to developing into a complete – and truly elite – player.
Karl slotted in seamlessly after making the step up to senior international football too, sparkling on his debut after climbing off the bench in the 4-3 victory over Switzerland this past March to enhance his already burgeoning reputation.
Serge Gnabry’s absence through injury could open the door for the youngster to get the nod for Germany at the World Cup – and, given his exploits this term, few would back against him capping his breathtaking breakthrough campaign by shining on the ultimate stage.
Karl's magic moments
View some of the highlights and goals that have made Lennart Karl one of the players to watch at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup.
Karl has dazzled in his first UEFA Champions League campaign.
One-v-one situation are where Karl thrives.
What’s been said about Karl
“He’s made a brilliant impression. He’s a bit feisty, but still humble. He’s got a knack for being in the right place at the right time and finding pockets of space on the pitch.” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
“He’s a top player and fantastic to play alongside. He’s going to give us lots to smile about in the coming years.” Fellow Germany international Florian Wirtz
“He’s somewhat in the Franck Ribery mould. He’s an incredible player: he’s so unflappable for his age, he plays with swagger and he brings great energy. He’s a terrific guy.” Germany striker Deniz Undav
“He works extremely hard, is always switched on – including during training and team meetings, as well as in matches – and produces top-drawer performances day in, day out. He’s on the right track in so many ways.” Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany
“Lenny’s been great for us. I think you see the qualities that he has, especially in tight areas. That’s been a big help for us since he’s been in the team because we play a lot against a low block or against a 5-4-1 system where teams drop off and make it difficult for us to get through. Lenny helps to open that space up because he’s so quick and so good on the ball and he can beat a defender.” Karl’s Bayern Munich team-mate Harry Kane
Karl's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches
14 June: Germany v Curaçao – Houston Stadium
20 June: Germany v Côte d'Ivoire – Toronto Stadium
25 June: Ecuador v Germany – New York New Jersey Stadium