Noah Okafor to miss out on 2026 World Cup squad after what he’s done at Leeds
Noah Okafor will surely be bitterly disappointed to be left out of the Switzerland squad for the 2026 World Cup despite impressive performances at Leeds United.
The 25-year-old signed for the Whites for £18million in the summer from AC Milan and has become a key player on the left-wing.
Okafor’s performances at Elland Road have been immense, with his dribbling abilities one of the best in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s future has come under speculation after losing to Nottingham Forest in the league on 9 November, but he may have concerns about the Switzerland international’s attitude.
Noah Okafor sent Switzerland warning after interview at Leeds United
In an interview with The Athletic on 7 November, Okafor shared his dissatisfaction with Switzerland manager Murat Yakin for a lack of communication.
The attacker has been included in the Swiss national team’s reserve list, but claims he wasn’t consulted about it.
Pierluigi Tami has now warned the former AC Milan forward, and while the door to the 2026 World Cup squad isn’t closed, he may miss out due to his apparent public feud with Yakin.
Speaking via Blick on 10 November, the director of the Switzerland men’s national team said: “It’s not closed for anyone. But with this interview, Noah hasn’t done anything to bring the two sides closer together. After this meeting, we’ll try to reconnect with him, even if we’re not happy with what he’s done.”
Yakin has expressed his frustration with Okafor, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the winger not make the plane for the competition in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
With the forward’s apparent standoff with the Switzerland management, fans in LS11 will hope his performances in West Yorkshire aren’t affected.
Noah Okafor has Elland Road challenge after Daniel Farke reveal
Farke has relied on Okafor to contribute up front, but the forward may soon have to fight for his place in the starting lineup.
Wilfried Gnonto could soon return to action at Leeds after picking up an injury early on in the season at Elland Road.
The Italian youngster started the first three games of the season before suffering a fitness issue, but Farke expects him to be involved “100 per cent after the break”.
Okafor will surely be looking over his shoulder now as he’ll have to deal with competition from Gnonto after the international break.
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