Credit: Imago/Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Aheed Abrar

Wed 1 April 2026 15:10, UK

Leeds United have given Noah Okafor the platform to shine at the 2026 World Cup for Switzerland.

The former AC Milan winger got his first call-up to the international side for the first time in 16 months, having been left out after a public spat with the management.

While Okafor was unable to feature for Switzerland against Germany and Norway due to a fitness issue, Murat Yakin seems keen on taking him to the summer tournament.

The Swiss boss was left impressed by the 25-year-old forward after his visit to the West Yorkshire outfit and believes Switzerland lack someone of his quality up front.

Okafor has been worth his price at Elland Road after making an impact on the left-wing for Daniel Farke this season and 49ers Enterprises will surely be happy with the deal.

Noah Okafor rediscovers his best at Leeds United

There’s a reason Milan signed Okafor from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023 and he put in some decent performances at San Siro.

In the forward’s debut Serie A campaign, he scored six goals and provided two assists in 28 league appearances for the Rosseneri.

After falling down the pecking order at the Italian club, the Whites came knocking for him last summer, and he has certainly rediscovered his form at Elland Road.

Okafor will likely feature in the 2026 World Cup, and if he does well, the West Yorkshire outfit will surely be confident about profiting from his potential sale down the line.

Yakin is an apparent fan of the forward’s talent, and hopefully, he’ll be fit enough to take the competition being hosted in Canada, Mexico and the USA by storm.

Speaking to the media via blue News, the Swiss boss said, “In training and also after our visit to Leeds, I saw that he has made positive progress, both in training and in his personality. I hope he’s fit and in rhythm for the World Cup. We don’t have many options of his quality in attack.”

Daniel Farke faces setbacks in final Premier League run-in

Apart from Okafor, Farke will also be worried about Daniel James’ fitness, who suffered a knock with Wales.

The Leeds winger put in a brilliant display against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the semi-final of the World Cup play-offs, but seemed to have picked up an injury in the process.

It remains to be seen how long the German manager’s two forward options will be out for as the Premier League season enters its final stretch.

Farke arguably needs every option he has at the Whites to be fully fit as supporters in LS11 hope to avoid relegation this season.