Yakin signals changes as Leeds forward Noah Okafor eyes World Cup minutes | OneFootball

Noah Okafor is still awaiting his first minutes at World Cup 2026, but Murat Yakin’s hint at changes before Switzerland face Bosnia and Herzegovina could offer the Leeds United forward hope.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, only one of the four Leeds United players at the tournament featured in the opening round, and Okafor again went unused in the 1-1 draw with Qatar in Group B.

His relationship with Yakin has been complicated, with both men speaking openly before a recall. The 26-year-old was an unused substitute throughout Euro 2024, was named in only two of the next 16 squads, then returned in March without playing and logged 11 minutes in a pre-tournament friendly against Australia.

A late-season calf niggle followed a Premier League debut campaign that brought eight goals for Leeds and a growing role under Daniel Farke. Switzerland produced 26 shots, seven on target, with an xG of 3.24 to Qatar’s 0.76, yet could not make the dominance count.

Yakin has stood by his starting XI from the opener but conceded his changes may have been wrong, accepting responsibility and suggesting inexperience played a part. He would pick the same line-up again for Qatar, yet Bosnia and Herzegovina present a different tactical challenge that could prompt adjustments.

Elsewhere in Group B tonight, former Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch leads Canada into a home meeting with Qatar in Vancouver and has urged supporters to create a rocking atmosphere.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk