Gabriel Gudmundsson boost as Leeds United star has World Cup fate confirmed | OneFootball

Gabriel Gudmundsson has been named in Sweden’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, handing Leeds United a timely lift. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the 27-year-old is the first Leeds player confirmed for the tournament.

The left-back suffered a hamstring issue in last month’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea and missed the games against Burnley and Tottenham. Daniel Farke had already ruled him out of those fixtures.

It is unclear if he will return for Brighton or West Ham, but his call-up indicates the problem has not jeopardised his World Cup prospects. He was selected on Tuesday night by head coach Graham Potter.

Gudmundsson has been a regular under Potter, who took charge in October 2025. He played in every qualifier and started both March play-off ties as Sweden beat Ukraine before a 3-2 win over Poland sealed their place.

Sweden are in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. They face Tunisia at three am UK time on June 15, then the Netherlands on June 20, before Japan five days later. That final game could pit Gudmundsson against Elland Road teammate Ao Tanaka.

He joins fellow Premier League names including Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United’s Anthony Elanga.

Farke is expected to provide an update before Brighton on Sunday. Assistant Edmund Riemer said last week Gudmundsson would miss Tottenham, be assessed daily and, they hope, return as soon as possible.

With Leeds mathematically safe, they are unlikely to rush him for the final two games. He was one of four absentees at Tottenham alongside Ilia Gruev, Jayden Bogle and Noah Okafor, while Pascal Struijk went off in the second half with a hip issue and is now doubtful. Loanee Facundo Buonanotte is ineligible against Brighton.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk