Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Wed 20 May 2026 15:10, UK

Leeds United has had a season to remember, with an FA Cup semi-final and navigating Premier League survival.

The result of their conquests means that plenty of their stars are in line to feature in this summer’s biggest football event – the World Cup.

With the season coming to a close, many of the squads for the teams participating are beginning to be announced.

Players such as Noah Okafor have been anticipating the announcements as they gear up to pull on the colours of their nations.

However, for some of their players, Leeds will have a couple of concerns, including that of Okafor, after the latest World Cup reveal.

Noah Okafor to participate in second World Cup after Leeds displays

Plenty of eyes will be on this summer’s World Cup, with football’s biggest showcases sure to attract attention.

For players, representing your nation at this quadrennial competition is one of the biggest honours available, and Okafor looks set to achieve that dream for the second time.

Okafor has officially been called up to the Switzerland national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The Whites forward has had a turbulent time when it comes to the Swiss national team, with this call-up ending a previously reported rift between the forward and manager Murat Yakin.

Okafor had previously been omitted from Swiss squads due to issues around his work ethic.

However, after his season in LS11, his call-up is wholeheartedly deserved and marks the second World Cup for Okafor after his appearances in the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Why Leeds will be watching on with caution with Noah Okafor

Ideally, amid Okafor’s injury issues for Leeds, the Elland Road outfit may have preferred him to have a longer summer break.

However, with him heading to North America with his nation, eyes will be looking on in hopes he does not aggravate the current issues facing him.

The striker, who has scored eight Premier League goals this season, helping Leeds remain in the top flight, could have done so much more had it not been for these injury concerns.

In this campaign, Okafor has missed seven games through injury already, and with him dealing with a calf injury from the Peacocks’ last two games, he is once again a doubt for the final match of the season.

Okafor has proved to be a vital cog in Daniel Farke’s well-drilled machine, and the hope will be that he comes through this summer’s tournament unfazed and prepared to begin pre-season fully fit.