Credit: Manh Tung/Imago

Scott Mason

Thu 2 April 2026 9:10, UK

Leeds United will need their players at their very best from now until the end of the season, as relegation still faces the Whites.

For many in the squad, these final few months could define either their future at Elland Road or whether or not they fly out to North America for the World Cup.

There is quite a lot at stake for both the Whites and their squad members.

Daniel Farke will be hoping to tap into the prospect of his players reaching the World Cup as well as his fringe stars making a push to remain in LS11.

Ahead of Leeds’ transfer window and this summer’s World Cup, MOT Leeds News takes a look at the three players who have the most to play for.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson fighting for World Cup role

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson had quite uneventful international breaks, which will be good news for Farke.

However, on a personal note for the players, it is not a strong signal for their World Cup prospects.

Aaronson is a seasoned international for the United States, making 56 appearances for his nation since 2020. However, over this break, he played a bit-part role for Mauricio Pochettino.

As the USA took on Belgium and Portugal, the Leeds star only played 11 minutes total over the two games.

Pochettino did make plenty of changes between the two fixtures, and the fact Aaronson had to settle for one appearance in the final 11 minutes against Portugal will be a concern for him.

Now, the USA international will have to perform for Farke to convince his national team manager he should be playing a larger role at this summer’s tournament.

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin was sent home early by Thomas Tuchel after playing 34 minutes against Uruguay.

The fact the Leeds striker earned his first call-up since 2021 was a good sign, and if he can continue to score for the Whites, he could secure his seat on the plane.

However, his lack of minutes and early return to Leeds showcase he still has to impress Tuchel much more.

Ao Tanaka fighting for his Leeds United future

Ao Tanaka put in a solid performance against Scotland over the international break and was then handed 19 minutes against England.

However, with Tanaka being part of Japan’s last two squads, you would expect him to continue as part of their setup heading into the World Cup.

For the Japanese midfielder, it is not his role for his national team that is coming under the microscope, but more so his future at Elland Road.

The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour with Farke, and it remains to be seen how many minutes he receives between now and the end of the season.

As it stands in the Premier League, he has started just seven matches, averaging 37 minutes per appearance.

If the Whites manager turns to him again at any point, he needs to step up or else a move away from Leeds is quite likely this summer.