Ouedraogo's World Cup call-up a 'dream come true'
Midfielder Assan Ouedraogo said his call-up to German's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad was a dream come true after he received the call to replace the injured Lennart Karl while on holiday in Marbella.
Karl sustained a muscle tear in training ahead of Sunday's (AEST) friendly against United States in Chicago, and manager Julian Nagelsmann turned to the RB Leipzig player.
"I got the call from the national coach on Friday evening while on holiday," Ouedraogo said.
"When Julian Nagelsmann told me I was now part of the squad, I needed a moment to take it in and realise what had happened before going and packing my things straight away."
Ouedraogo has made one appearance for Germany when he was also drafted into the squad to replace an injured player, Nadiem Amiri, and came off the bench to score the last goal in a 6-0 win over Slovakia in November in its final qualifier.
"It's a huge honour and makes me very proud to represent Germany at the World Cup," Ouedraogo said.
"A childhood dream of mine has come true, one I have worked hard for, especially over the past few months and years.
"At the same time, I would like to wish Lenny a speedy and full recovery. I feel very sorry for him that he got injured so close to the tournament and can't be involved."
Germany, whose most recent FIFA World Cup title came in 2014, begins its Group E campaign against Curacao on 15 June (AEST) in Houston before facing the 鈥婥ote d'Ivoire and Ecuador.
