Leeds winger Noah Okafor handed Switzerland World Cup call after injury concern | OneFootball

Noah Okafor has been named in Switzerland’s 2026 World Cup squad, a timely fillip for the Leeds United forward as he nurses a calf problem. He is the third Leeds player confirmed for the tournament.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Okafor missed the last two matches with a calf issue and remains a doubt for the final-day trip to West Ham. Those games finished 1-1 at Tottenham and 1-0 against Brighton.

The summer signing from AC Milan has played a crucial role in keeping Leeds away from relegation, with eight goals and one assist in 28 Premier League outings, including 19 starts and nine appearances as a substitute.

His 17-month international exile ended earlier this year. He did not feature in March, a precaution after a hamstring issue, and relations with coach Murat Yakin now appear improved.

Switzerland open Group B against Qatar on June 13, then face Bosnia & Herzegovina five days later. Canada follow on June 24, led by former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch.

Gabriel Gudmundsson has been called up by Sweden, while Ao Tanaka will travel with Japan.

Okafor hit three spring goals, including a match-winning brace at Old Trafford, and added an assist to earn an April Player of the Month nomination. He also scored against Burnley in May. That Old Trafford double delivered Leeds’ first top-flight win there since 1981 and won Performance of the Year last night.

It remains to be seen if he recovers in time for West Ham on Sunday, and he is unlikely to be rushed with a World Cup place secured. Anton Stach’s injury on Sunday underlined how quickly fortunes can change, and only league position and pride are at stake in London.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk