'I know' - Leeds United star Noah Okafor opens up on lack of World Cup action with Switzerland
Leeds United’s Noah Okafor has discussed his wait for an appearance at the World Cup
Leeds United star Noah Okafor has spoken candidly regarding his lack of action at the World Cup with Switzerland.
The 26-year-old was out of the international picture when he arrived at Elland Road from AC Milan in the summer of 2025.
He managed to force his way back into the fold during his maiden Premier League campaign, during which he scored eight goals in 28 appearances.
The versatile attacker made Murat Yakin’s 26-man squad but was an unused substitute in all three of Switzerland’s group stage games. He will be hoping to see action on Friday (July 3), when Switzerland lock horns with Algeria in the round of 32.
Noah Okafor on lack of World Cup action
Previewing Switzerland’s next fixture, Okafor said: “I'm perhaps a little annoyed because every player wants to play. So far, it hasn't happened, but that's football, and I'm trying to stay focused and wait for my chance.
“Expectation is a big word. We have a 26-man squad. I know where my strengths lie and how I can help the team. That's what I train for every day. You can make five substitutions; I'm ready.
"I didn't play in the Euros. I was younger then and made a few mistakes. You could see it in my body language. I've taken a step forward both as a person and as a footballer. It's normal to be annoyed or frustrated when you don't get any playing time. But like I said, I'm positive and happy for the team.
“I spoke with Murat Yakin. He explained to me why I didn't play against Canada; I was supposed to be in the starting lineup. But that's football. Things can always change during the game."
He was also asked if he was a ‘ticking time bomb’, which he had been described as by SRF commentator Sascha Ruefer.
In response, Okafor said: “I'm not. I'm happy to be here, healthy, fit, and I'm trying to support the team as best I can, both on and off the pitch. I'm in a good mood, as you can probably see from my smile.”
Noah Okafor’s time at Leeds United
Okafor saw his 2025/26 season curtailed by injury but managed three goals across his last four outings in the league.
He bagged a memorable brace in a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford before finding the target in wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.
Okafor said: “It was a considered and planned move to Leeds. It's been good for me to play week after week and get back to my best level.
“I've also mentioned that I've made great progress as a person. I also have a relationship with my family. They help me improve things that weren't good in the past.
“I felt really good, then I had a minor issue with my calf, nothing serious. It lasted just under three weeks. Leeds wasn't really at stake anymore, so I took it easy for the World Cup. Then I did some individual training as a precaution.
“Now, I'm in top shape. I had a minor muscle injury in my calf. I did a lot of therapy and increased the intensity day by day. I joined the national team with a minor calf injury. The agreement was to train individually at first. But that's over now, I'm fully fit."