Noah Okafor handed World Cup lift as Switzerland name Leeds winger in 2026 squad | OneFootball

Noah Okafor has been named in Switzerland’s 2026 World Cup squad, handing the Leeds United forward a timely lift. He becomes Leeds’ third confirmed participant, joining Gabriel Gudmundsson of Sweden and Ao Tanaka of Japan.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Okafor’s selection follows a strong first Elland Road season of eight goals and one assist in 28 league games, 19 starts and nine as sub.

The 25-year-old missed the 1-1 draw at Tottenham and the 1-0 win over Brighton with a calf problem and remains a doubt for Sunday’s final-day trip to West Ham.

He ended a 17-month international exile earlier this year and, despite not featuring in March, has earned a ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Switzerland open Group B against Qatar on June 13, then Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 18, before co-hosts Canada on June 24.

The winger looks to have resolved a fallout with Murat Yakin and later said his March inactivity was precautionary after a hamstring issue, mindful of Leeds’ relegation fight.

Spring brought his best form, with three goals including a match-winning brace at Old Trafford plus an assist, earning an April Premier League Player of the Month nomination, before scoring against Burnley in May.

It remains unclear whether he will face West Ham and he is highly unlikely to be rushed back now his World Cup place is secure. Anton Stach’s injury in the 1-0 win over Brighton underlined the risk, and only league position and pride are at stake at the London Stadium.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk