Overview
- Bayern’s Lennart Karl, 17, started for Germany’s U21s against Malta in Fürth and scored, placing him among the youngest scorers in U21 team history.
- The DFB confirmed left-back Niklas Scheller sustained a hip injury and will miss the rest of the U17 World Cup, though he remains with the squad for support and treatment.
- Germany’s U17s advanced as group winners and meet Burkina Faso in the round of 16, following a 7–0 group finale against El Salvador.
- Bayern prospect Wisdom Mike impressed in that win, adding a goal after also scoring in the earlier draw with North Korea.
- Senior coach Julian Nagelsmann praised first-time call-up Said El Mala’s conduct and left open a possible substitute appearance, while TV pundit Markus Babbel questioned the timing of selections and whether Karl should have been considered for the A team.