Gabriel Gudmundsson named in Sweden’s 2026 World Cup squad despite hamstring worry | OneFootball

Gabriel Gudmundsson has been named in Sweden’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, handing Leeds United a timely lift. He is the first Leeds player confirmed for the tournament.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the left-back missed Leeds’ last two matches after a hamstring injury in the FA Cup semi-final defeat at Chelsea. Daniel Farke had ruled him out against Burnley and Tottenham, describing it as a serious issue.

It remains unclear whether the 27-year-old will be fit to face Brighton or West Ham, but his call-up on Tuesday night indicates no concerns over his World Cup availability. Gudmundsson has been a regular under Graham Potter, who took charge of Sweden in October 2025, playing every qualifier and starting both March play-off ties.

Sweden beat Ukraine in their play-off semi-final, then a 3-2 win over Poland sealed qualification. They are in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. Potter’s side open against Tunisia at three am UK time on 15 June, then meet the Netherlands on 20 June and Japan on 25 June, when Gudmundsson could face Leeds teammate Ao Tanaka.

Farke is expected to provide an update before Brighton, with assistant Edmund Riemer stating last week that Gudmundsson would be assessed daily and that they hope to have him back as soon as possible.

Leeds, already safe, are unlikely to rush him for the final two games. He was one of four absentees in Monday’s draw at Tottenham, alongside Ilia Gruev, Jayden Bogle and Noah Okafor. Pascal Struijk came off with a hip problem and is doubtful for Sunday, while on-loan Facundo Buonanotte is ineligible to face parent club Brighton.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk