Tah tells Germany to think big and backs Karl call-up

Defender Jonathan Tah thinks Germany can win the World Cup next year and believes Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl deserves a call-up.

"It makes no sense to me at all to take part in a tournament and say: We want to reach the quarter-finals. And I also believe that we have the quality in the team to go all the way," the 29-year-old Bayern Munich central back told the Abendzeitung on Wednesday.

He said Julian Nagelsmann's team had "regained belief" in themselves for June and July's expanded event in North America having gone out of the previous two World Cups in the group stage under Joachim Löw and Hansi Flick.

"We are looking forward to our group opponents and are confident enough to say: We can do something at the World Cup."

The 2026 men's World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the US, Canada and Mexico. It will feature 48 teams for the first time.

Karl, 17, has been winning rave reviews for his Bundesliga performances and club team mate Tah said he deserves a World Cup spot.

"If he keeps going like this, then I don't know what speaks against him being able to help our team," Tah remarked.

"If he can do it at Bayern Munich, in the Champions League, then he also has everything it takes to show it with the national team. Of course, it is a decision for the national coach. I just think he is really in top form right now."