RB Leipzig Midfielder Reveals Where He Was When Nagelsmann Made Urgent World Cup 2026 Call-Up

German international Assan Ouédraogo showcased his quick wit at a team press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup, displaying a remarkable sense of humor alongside his RB Leipzig teammate David Raum.

The 20-year-old midfielder recounted how he received the call-up from Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann while on vacation in the Spanish resort of Marbella, stating that his phone rang as he was “lying on a sun lounger, relaxing with friends.”

Ouédraogo added that he ran around the corner so no one could overhear him. Nagelsmann informed him that he wanted to call him up as a late addition to the squad.

“I was incredibly happy. Then he asked me if I was drunk. But I don't drink anyway,” he said with a smile. Ouédraogo was called up last Friday as a replacement for Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl, who sustained an injury in Chicago before the friendly against the USA.

The midfielder mentioned he hadn't spoken to Karl previously. “Honestly, we've never crossed paths. We don't really know each other,” the German commented.

Ouédraogo made his Germany debut in November 2025 and scored his first national team goal in a 6-0 victory over Slovakia in Leipzig during the World Cup qualifiers, after coming on as a substitute.

Describing his playing style, he said: “I would describe myself as unpredictable – free-flowing. One of my strengths is dribbling.”

After receiving the call from Nagelsmann, Ouédraogo stated that he cut short his vacation in Spain, packed his bags, and flew to North Carolina, arriving at Germany's training camp a day before the rest of the squad. “Until the team arrived, I was definitely very bored on that huge training pitch,” he recalled.

Looking ahead to the expanded 48-team World Cup, he added that he is excited about all the matches. “I would watch almost all of them,” the footballer concluded, as quoted by DPA.