Credit: Imago

Leeds United: Noah Okafor handed emergency Switzerland call-up after Murat Yakin fallout

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

23 Mar 2026, 6:40 am

Leeds United's Noah Okafor has been called up to Switzerland's first team after an injury in camp, and it comes after a previous fallout with head coach Murat Yakin.

It was announced on Monday that Switzerland's Filip Ugrinic has been forced to withdraw from the squad, resulting in Yakin calling on Okafor to take his place.

The Whites star wasn't initially in the squad that was announced last week, and some may put it down to injury, while others would look at his fallout with the Switzerland boss.

Yakin previously admitted that he wasn't fond of Okafor's attitude, in which the Leeds star responded, and it all led to a messy situation.

Leeds have been without Okafor until this weekend, where he made his return to action since last playing against Birmingham City in February.

What happened with Murat Yakin and Noah Okafor?

Yakin didn't rule out recalling Okafor, but the Switzerland boss has always seen his side as "well-staffed" in wide attacking areas.

He previously said that he hopes his words got through to him, as it always looked in doubt that he'd make the World Cup this summer.

Department	Stats
Games (starts)	24 (15)
Minutes played	1298
Shots	27
Goals	4
Successful dribbles per game	2.29

Okafor in the PL this season

Sunderland and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka revealed he had a phone call with Okafor after he spoke out to the Swiss media about his relationship with Yakin.

Even he described the situation as "difficult".

ℹ️ Filip Ugrinić fällt verletzungsbedingt aus und verpasst den Zusammenzug. Für ihn nominiert Nationaltrainer Murat Yakin Noah Okafor nach, der am Samstag nach seiner Verletzung erstmals wieder auf dem Platz stand.

ℹ️ Filip Ugrinić est forfait en raison d’une blessure et…
— 🇨🇭 Nati (@nati_sfv_asf) March 23, 2026

However, as announced by Switzerland's national team this Monday, the change gives the attacker another chance to sway Yakin's mind.

What has Okafor now said about Switzerland call-up?

Regardless of what's happened, Okafor will be hoping to make it to North America this summer, in hopes of playing in what would be his first World Cup.

Taking to his Instagram story after the announcement, the 25-year-old commented on his return to the Swiss side, ahead of games against Anton Stach's Germany and Norway.

Noah Okafor's Instagram message on his story.

(Credit: Breaking Media)

It's clear to see the versatile winger is excited to be back, and is willing to sweep things with Yakin under the rug.

Hopefully, Leeds receive a boost from his performances in the run-in, with Okafor desperate to make the cut for the World Cup.

Noah Okafor