German teen star Moukoko ruled out of World Cup qualifiers with injury

Germany's next-generation football star, Youssoufa Moukoko, 18, will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injury. The German Football Association announced on Tuesday that Moukoko tore a thigh muscle during team training before a friendly against the United States. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has called up Assan Ouédraogo, another young talent from RB Leipzig, to fill the void. Moukoko, a product of the Bayern Munich youth academy, had already made his mark in the Bundesliga during the 2025-2026 season, scoring nine goals in 40 official appearances. He was selected as the youngest player for the German squad preparing for the World Cup, but his dream debut will now have to wait. Germany is scheduled to play the United States on Wednesday before beginning their World Cup group stage matches in Group E.