Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Thu 26 March 2026 8:40, UK

Leeds United’s record after the international break may end up hurting their FA Cup run.

Once players return from national team duty, they will have a wait before league action resumes due to Leeds’ cup status.

With the Whites in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, they have a real chance of making their way to Wembley.

While the priority this season is to remain in the Premier League, a side goal of completing FA Cup magic would not go amiss this campaign.

Leeds travel to face West Ham on Sunday, 5 April, in the FA Cup with a semi-final at Wembley at stake. However, their record after international breaks could haunt them.

What is Leeds’ recent post-international break record?

This season there have been three international breaks before this list of March fixtures, each one threatening to disrupt any momentum any Premier League team has had.

This season, Farke’s side have failed to win any of their opening games upon domestic football returning, and that paints a bad omen for their FA Cup chances.

Luckily, their opposition, West Ham, do boast the exact same record, meaning at least one of those sides will overcome their hoodoo.

For Leeds, the hope will be that this is the moment the trend is finally bucked. With Wembley in sight, Farke has a chance to provide an unforgettable day out for the fanbase.

Farke could change the system at Leeds to try and bring that possibility.

Why Daniel Farke could be grateful that an FA Cup fixture looms after break

While history suggests cup heartbreak could be around the corner, Farke may be slightly happy that the first game after the international break does not fall in the Premier League.

The Peacocks are still embroiled in the battle at the bottom of the league, and a loss would further spiral them towards the relegation places.

While the stakes in the FA Cup are high, there is nothing higher than the threat of losing your status as a top-flight club.

After facing West Ham, the Elland Road outfit do have an eight-day wait until their next game, taking on Manchester United on 13 April.

The German will be glad to have plenty more time to get his squad up to speed ahead of that crucial showdown against one of their biggest rivals.

The Whites have already picked up a result against the Red Devils this season with a 1-1 draw in January at Elland Road.