Another Leeds United star has been called up for international duty in the March break, ending his exile from the national team and rekindling his World Cup dream.
Noah Okafor says the ‘World Cup dream’ is alive again after a surprise return to the Switzerland national team. The Swiss revealed the winger’s return on Monday morning in a statement that read: “Filip Ugrinić is sidelined with an injury and will miss the training camp. National coach Murat Yakin has called up Noah Okafor as his replacement; Okafor made his first appearance on the pitch since his injury on Saturday.”
Valencia man Ugrinić is a versatile player has has played most of his football in central midfield areas, but can also play out wide on either side of the pitch. Okafor has mostly played on the left for Leeds, either close to Dominic Calvert-Lewin or out wide. He has, previously in his career, played up top and on the right. The 25-year-old already has 24 caps for his country but what makes the call up a surprise is that it is his first since November 2024.
Okafor’s relationship with Yakin became strained due to what he felt was a lack of game time, being benched without explanation and then being used in a position that was not his best. He told The Athletic earlier this season that the lack of subsequent communication from the Swiss coach or sporting director Pierluigi Tami, after the trio had met to discuss the issue, had saddened him. In November Yakin took a swipe at the Leeds man when questioned about Okafor’s continued absence from squads, saying: “Okafor remains on our radar. I've spoken to Okafor repeatedly, telling him what I expect from him on and off the pitch. I hope my words will eventually get through to him.”
This season the winger has made 15 starts in the Premier League, with a further nine appearances as a substitute. He has four goals but no assists in the English top flight and returned on Saturday night after a hamstring injury that kept him out of five consecutive league and cup fixtures.
Reacting to his call up, he posted on social media: “Grateful for the chance to be back. I’ll give evrything I have to help the team. The World Cup dream is alive. Hopp Schwiiz!”
Switzerland take on Germany and Okafor’s Leeds team-mate Anton Stach on Friday, before an away friendly against Norway next Tuesday night. Switzerland are due to face Qatar and Jesse Marsch’s Canada in the World Cup group stage, along with a yet-to-be-confirmed play-off qualifier.
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