Leeds United fans have something special to look forward to next year, as two of their favourites are set to appear at Wembley just months before the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, now manager of Uruguay, and current Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka, a star for Japan, will both be involved in England’s new World Cup 2026 fixtures, confirmed for March.
England have officially announced that they will play Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March at Wembley Stadium.
These two matches will be the final tests before the England manager makes his last squad choices for the huge tournament next summer.
Both games are part of the build-up to the 2026 World Cup football competition taking place across the USA, Mexico and Canada.
For Leeds supporters, these upcoming matches bring excitement and pride, as two familiar faces take the spotlight on the big stage again.
Bielsa Returns to England Ahead of World Cup
Many Leeds fans still hold a deep respect for Marcelo Bielsa, the man who rebuilt the club and took them back into the Premier League with attacking football and endless passion.
Now, he’ll return to England leading a strong Uruguay side, giving Elland Road supporters a chance to see him again on UK soil.
This friendly match is extra meaningful because Uruguay have already secured their place in the FIFA World Cup groups.
Bielsa will be guiding them into the tournament for the third time in his career, and on a third different continent. Under him, Uruguay have grown into a tough, high-energy team, just like his Leeds side once were.
The Wembley game will also act as a key preparation match before Uruguay head to their World Cup group alongside Spain, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
It’s a tough group, but Bielsa has never been scared of big challenges, something Leeds fans know very well.
His long-awaited return will no doubt bring memories for supporters who still sing his name today. For many, Marcelo Bielsa Leeds stories remain some of the happiest moments in recent club history.
Ao Tanaka Set to Shine for Japan
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Another Leeds connection in these fixtures is midfielder Ao Tanaka, who has quickly become a fan favourite at Elland Road.
Tanaka is an important player for Japan and is expected to make their World Cup squad again after impressing at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Japan, currently ranked 18th in the world, face a tough FIFA World Cup group with the Netherlands, Tunisia and a European play-off winner.
But the team is known for their hard work and smart passing style. If Tanaka keeps performing well for Leeds, he will surely play a big part next summer.
The Wembley match against England will also give UK fans a close look at how dangerous Japan can be.
Tanaka’s famous goal against Spain in the last World Cup made huge headlines, and he hopes to repeat that magic on the biggest stage once again.
England Prepare for a Huge Summer
These two matches will be the final warm-ups before England boss Thomas Tuchel chooses his squad for the USA-based games.
The England football World Cup fixtures for the tournament include matches in Dallas, Boston, and New York, where they will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
With the excitement already building, the FA says England might also play two more warm-up games in the USA just before the tournament starts.
For Leeds United fans, March will be a special month. Not only will they see their former hero Bielsa in the dugout again, but they will also get to cheer for their own midfield star Tanaka on the Wembley pitch.
It’s rare for a club to have both a legendary manager and a current player involved in such big international moments, but Leeds United always finds a way to stay part of football history.
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