The harsh reality behind Leeds United star Noah Okafor's latest World Cup snub

Noah Okafor continues to be snubbed for Switzerland at the World Cup, but there is a harsh reality behind it for the Leeds United star.

Okafor stripped back his social media earlier this week in wake of suggestions he has fallen out with national team boss Murat Yakin.

The 26-year-old's international career has been a strange one, having previously been locked out of the senior side before earning a recall.

However, Okafor will wonder exactly why he was called up as he has played in just one of Switzerland's five matches to date.

He got 19 minutes as a substitute against Algeria in the last 32, before then watching the entire last-16 tie with Colombia from the substitutes' bench.

And unfortunately for the Leeds favourite, he can have few complaints about his situation.

Noah Okafor frustrations only set to continue

Switzerland drew 0-0 with Colombia after 120 minutes in Tuesday's clash in Vancouver.

Despite chasing a goal for the duration of normal time and extra time, Yakin decided against calling on Okafor.

Six changes were made, but Okafor was one of four outfield players not used at all.

It is rather bittersweet for the forward as Switzerland prevailed 4-3 on penalties to set up a quarter-final tie with Argentina.

The reason Okafor will have mixed emotions is because quite frankly it just means an extra five days or so waiting around.

Yakin will point to the fact that the Swiss have reached this stage of the tournament for the first time since 1954 without needing Okafor.

There seems zero reason for that to change against Argentina, as frustrating as that is for Okafor.

What could Okafor snub mean for Leeds?

Okafor has admitted to being frustrated at being continually overlooked by his national team boss.

You would like to think he will return to Leeds fired up for the start of the 2026-27 season as a result.

But from a selfish perspective, every round Switzerland advance means a bigger delay for Okafor returning to Thorp Arch.

Only once Switzerland return home will his mandatory three weeks off begin, even if he has not played much at all.

Daniel Farke will just hope Okafor can do his talking on the field, with the former AC Milan man certainly more loved at Elland Road than he is by his national team.