With the qualification period complete and the draw set, the 2018 World Cup is almost here. And, fortunately for Leeds United supporters, there will be the opportunity to cheer on members of the club as they represent their countries in the biggest tournament in sport. And while the World Cup isn’t packed with current Leeds United players, there are enough of them and players with a connection to the club to add even more excitement to the tournament.

Pontus Jansson and Yosuke Ideguchi

At the top of the list of players to represent the club on the World Cup stage are Pontus Jansson and Yosuke Ideguchi. Both players have different standings within their respective squads but have the chance to make an impact on their teams nonetheless.

Leeds centre-back Jansson will be suiting up for Sweden, as he was named for their squad. He has been a regular throughout the Swedish side for a while now and even captained the squad in March, during a match against Romania. While Sweden have been known more for their attacking players in recent years, like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, their defence has been their calling card en route to World Cup qualification, with Jansson being a key piece.

While Jansson is nailed on for the squad in Sweden, Yosuke Ideguchi has a more tenuous grasp on a World Cup spot. He is in the preliminary squad for Japan but looks like anything but a guarantee to get into the final squad list. Whether or not he gets in remains to be seen, but his inclusion in the 35-man team at least gives Leeds United supporters a chance to cheer for Japan.

Betting on Leeds United Players in the World Cup

As far as wagering on Leeds United players in Russia, it looks like Sweden have a genuine chance to advance past the group stage. While Germany are surely the favourites in Group F, Sweden and Mexico will be going head to head for the second qualifying position. Japan, meanwhile, may struggle in Group H. That group features Colombia and Poland, both of whom look like contenders to make deep runs in the tournament.

When looking to place wagers on the Leeds United players featuring in the World Cup, be sure to consult World Cup football betting tips & offers first, where Sweden feature regularly at 11/2 to win their group. While every supporter wants to see the players from their favourite clubs perform well on the biggest stage, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are going to. Getting a second opinion on an upcoming match can help make sure that your bets are as strong as possible, even if they are for matches featuring Leeds United players.

The World Cup is exciting, but adding club loyalties into the mix makes it even better. And with some Leeds United connections to the 2018 World Cup, there is sure to be some intrigue surrounding the club as Jansson and Ideguchi both look to help their teams make history.