Jonathan Tah says there is no reason why Lennart Karl cannot earn a place in Germany's squad for next year's World Cup on the basis of his form for Bayern Munich.
Karl has scored six goals in 17 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances combined in his breakthrough season for the Bundesliga heavyweights.
He became the youngest player in Champions League history to score in three straight appearances earlier this month at 17 years and 290 days.
The midfielder has not yet been called up to Germany's senior squad, however, with Julian Nagelsmann preferring him to stay with the Under-21s.
But Karl's Bayern teammate Tah believes the youngster is already capable of making an impact if called upon.
"If he continues this way, I don't know what's stopping him from helping our [national] team," Tah told Abendzeitung.
"If he can do it at Bayern Munich, in the Champions League, then he has everything it takes to show it for the national team.
"Of course, it's the coach's decision. But I simply think he's doing a really great job right now."
Germany on top!! Secured our spot in the 2026 World Cup in style!
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) November 17, 2025
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Germany begin their World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Curacao, before facing Ivory Coast and then Ecuador.
The four-time world champions were knocked out in the group stage in 2018 and 2022, but Tah is understandably aiming far higher for 2026.
"For me, it makes absolutely no sense to participate in a tournament and say only 'we want to reach the quarter-finals," Tah said.
"And I also believe we have the quality to do so in the team. We're looking forward to our group opponents.
"We're confident enough to say that we can achieve something at the World Cup."
Tah's former Germany and Bayern colleague Thomas Muller agrees that Germany cannot afford to fall at the first hurdle for a third time in a row in the expanded tournament.
"When you read the names of the opponents, advancing from the group is a must," Muller, who played at four World Cups, told MagentaTV.
"With Ivory Coast, we have the African champions, and with Ecuador, the runner-up in the South American qualifiers. I don't know much about Curacao.
"But when you look at the overall situation, where the eight best third-placed teams out of twelve groups also advance, then advancing to the knockouts is once again a must."
Germany have already announced a friendly with Ghana in March and Finland in May ahead of beginning their World Cup campaign.