Leeds United will have four players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The season the Whites had this past year was enough to see many of their players in the race.
Wales’ quartet of Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James missed out after they lost in the playoffs.
Both Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin played well enough to return to their national teams this year, however they both missed the cut.
The Whites will have Brenden Aaronson, Ao Tanaka, Noah Okafor and Gabriel Gudmundsson flying Leeds colours in the USA. And with that will come a portion of the £263 million fund from the FIFA Club Benefits Programme.
Leeds could make as much as £100,000 per player if they only play the group stages.
Leeds United star a huge doubt ahead of World Cup opener
There are just a few days to go before the tournament kicks off.
Unfortunately for Leeds United, one of their players is a huge doubt for his country’s opener. Sweden have revealed that Gabriel Gudmundsson is suffering from an illness.
He did not take part in the last training session and has been in the team hotel, with the medical staff monitoring him.
“Everyone except Gabriel Gudmundsson is taking part in training.” Sweden’s press officer Petra Thorén said.
“Gabriel remains at the hotel with mild illness symptoms. The medical team is monitoring him.”
Sweden kick off their campaign against Tunisia on Monday. Graham Potter’s side qualified for the World Cup after beating Poland in the UEFA playoffs.
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Whites need to address left back problem next season
Gabriel Gudmundsson missed out on the final weeks of the season after picking up a knock in the FA Cup semi-final.
He missed some training sessions, with precautions taken that he make the World Cup squad. In that time, James Justin had to fill in at left wing back – a role he is not much comfortable with.
Gudmundsson has been a solid option down that flank all season, but there has been no natural left footed option as backup.
Going into next season, it could be a potential area of weakness. With Sam Byram also set to leave, it leaves the position without solid depth going forward, and the club needs to address this.
They could either bring in a backup for the Swedish international, or trust Jayden Lienou, who was given huge praise by Wales boss Craig Bellamy last week.
