CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has told Give Me Sport that the 2026 World Cup may prove a large factor when Leeds United duo Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie come to make a decision on their future in the summer.
The 2026 World Cup will be staged in USA, Mexico and Canada. It means that for USMNT stars McKennie, and captain Adams – the next World Cup is a bigger tournament than other World Cups, given they will be host nation.
McKennie, of course, remains on loan at Leeds. The Whites have an option to turn the move into a permanent £34m move – £30m initial fee, and £4m bonuses. But relegation will obviously see Leeds move on from the Juve dynamo.
There are some suggestions that McKennie’s permanent clause is an obligation if the club remain in the top tier. But nothing has been confirmed. CalcioMercato say that Brighton have actually shown interest in signing McKennie.
Adams, meanwhile, will have interest in his services largely thanks to his performances for Leeds – and for USMNT in Qatar. Jacobs says that even though the World Cup is three years away, it will play a part on their future at Leeds.
“McKennie and Adams will be a bit concerned. No guarantee that you get out of the Championship. Even though it is a long way away, they are looking at the 2026 World Cup and will want game time at the highest possible level.”
Jacobs: 2026 World Cup a factor for Leeds duo McKennie and Adams
As things stand, McKennie is likely to take his tally to 20 games for Leeds – currently sitting on 18 – and then leave Elland Road. His form has been questionable and he certainly has not lived up to the hype. Improved last time out.
Unless there is an obligation and Leeds have to buy McKennie if we stay up, surely he will go back to Juventus. For Adams, there is going to be interest – whether we go down or survive. That one is hard to predict as things stand.
