Leeds United have revealed their starting eleven for the pre‑season friendly against Sunderland at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on 28 July 2026, with newcomer Tarik Muharemović making his first appearance in a white kit.
Who is in the starting XI?
The line‑up features Alex Cairns between the posts, a back four of Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw, captain Joe Rodon and Tarik Muharemović, with Gabriel Gudmundsson completing the defence. In midfield, Sean Longstaff partners Ao Tanaka, while 17‑year‑old Callum Mills retains his spot after a strong showing last outing. Up front, Harry Wilson starts alongside striker Lukas Nmecha, who leads the attack.
What does this selection mean for Leeds United?
Manager Daniel Farke appears to be testing a balanced blend of experience and youth, giving a chance to the newly signed Muharemović while trusting seasoned players like Longstaff and Rodon. The inclusion of Tanaka, who joined earlier this summer, suggests Farke is keen to integrate his technical abilities early in the pre‑season.
How will the match unfold?
The game kicks off at 12:30 am UK time, offering fans a chance to see the squad’s cohesion against a fellow Premier League side. With the Black Cats fielding a mixed line‑up, Leeds United will aim to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities for Nmecha and Wilson. The match also serves as a platform for younger talents like Mills to showcase their development.
What’s next for the tour?
After the Sunderland fixture, Leeds United will continue their US tour with another friendly before returning to England for the start of the Premier League season. The performances in New Jersey will help Farke fine‑tune tactics and assess squad depth ahead of the competitive campaign.
