With the official announcement of the new head coach, Andoni Iraola, completed, Liverpool fans can now turn their attention to the upcoming 2026/27 campaign. That’s because the 2026 World Cup is just around the corner. Jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the world’s premier football competition kicks off with a match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.
Nine Liverpool players have earned selection for their respective National Teams, which should provide players with valuable minutes and experience to help stabilise a club in transition due to the departures of legendary figures like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Below is a list of players, and LFC Globe will explore each player’s role with their respective National Team, how that might differ tactically from their role with Liverpool, and an updated schedule so fans will know how and when to tune in to watch their favourite players on the pitch. Be sure to check LFC Globe often during the tournament for updates.
The Players
- Alisson Becker - Goalkeeper, Brazil (Group C)
- Virgil van Dijk - Defender, Netherlands (Group F)
- Ibrahima Konate - Defender, France (Group I)
- Ryan Gravenberch - Midfielder, Netherlands (Group F)
- Wataru Endo - Midfielder, Japan (Group F)
- Alexis Mac Allister - Midfielder, Argentina (Group J)
- Florian Wirtz - Midfielder, Germany (Group E)
- Cody Gakpo - Forward, Netherlands (Group F)
- Alexander Isak - Forward, Sweden (Group F)
Alisson Becker: The Consummate Shot Stopper
Brazil is one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Oddsmakers give them about an 11 per cent chance. If they are to do so, it all starts in the back with Alisson Becker. Not only is he adept at making world-class saves, but his uncanny pitch awareness should also allow him to start Brazilian counterattacks with long throws or punts that have become commonplace occurrences during his time at Liverpool.
Virgil van Dijk: The Backbone Of The Backline
Just as with Liverpool, Virgil Van Dijk will captain and anchor the Dutch backline. Fans can expect him to use the same skill set that they see at Anfield, clearing away dangerous balls over the top with defensive headers, but also being a threat offensively with set pieces. He scored five goals on headers during the EPL campaign.
So it would not surprise me if he bangs in a couple during the World Cup. Van Dijk’s pairing with Liverpool teammates Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo creates a familiarity that will only benefit the Dutch as they progress in the tournament.
Ibrahima Konate: Bolstering The French Defence
Even though Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool contract expires on June 30th and he has indicated he will not re-sign with the club, he has been a valuable piece for the Reds for the past five seasons. France are second favourite to lift the trophy this summer, behind Spain, and with a roster loaded with stars like Mbappe on the squad, Konate may be overshadowed a bit, but his solid defense in the back should allow France to push forward, knowing that Konate can stuff out any counterattacks.
Ryan Gravenberch: The Versatile Midfield Option
As we move up the pitch to the midfield, Ryan Gravenberch is the perfect choice for the Dutch in one of the midfield spots. He rarely gives the ball away against high-pressing teams. Coming from a Liverpool side that liked to control possession under former Reds manager Arne Slot. Slot,, who is Dutch, used some of the same tactics as the national team, and that should only increase Gravenberch’s transition from domestic football in the EPL to international football. On the pitch, look for Gravenberch to hold up possession when needed and then quickly play the ball forward when the time is right.
Wataru Endo: The Rising Sun’s Shining Star
It will be good to see Wataru Endo back on the pitch in any capacity, as he spent much of this past season on the sideline due to injury. Whereas Ryan Gravenberch was a midfielder who could attack or defend, Endo is more of a defensive midfielder and was used by Arne Slot when healthy as a late sub to see out games. Slot even mentioned Endo as a key piece on the Reds' side that brought home the EPL title in 2024/25. He is a well-respected player and a quiet leader, so I would expect him to see a lot more minutes at the World Cup.
Alexis Mac Allister: Macca Looking To Repeat
Alexis Mac Allister played a vital role in Argentina winning the World Cup in 2022 and looks to do so again in 2026. He was one of the more consistent players for Liverpool this past season and, as a result, was a constant fixture in the Reds' starting XI. Playing for clubs like Liverpool and Argentina seem to suit Mac Allister’s personality. He is more than happy to step up and take a big shot in important moments, but he also does not mind deferring to global superstars like Messi and Salah. That mixture of skill and selflessness bodes well if Argentina want to lift the World Cup again in 2026.
Florian Wirtz: Germany’s Free-Flowing Winger
Even though Florian Wirtz is listed as an attacker on the roster, I think he will be more of a winger, as he is for Liverpool. He had a bit of a rollercoaster season for the Reds as his record signing did not produce the number of goals Liverpool fans were expecting. He showed flashes, however, and has also shown the propensity to put the ball in the back of the net during international competitions, scoring seven times in a German shirt. Wirtz is only 23 years old, so he is on the path to becoming the next German superstar.
Cody Gakpo: The Dutch Oven
Cody Gakpo is the third and final member of the Liverpool trio playing for the Netherlands. At times, he struggled to see time in the Starting XI behind the likes of Hugo Ekitike up top in Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Once Ekitike went down with an injury, Gakpo was more productive, scoring seven goals and five assists. Gakpo is a streaky player, and if he gets hot, there is no telling how far the Dutch can go.
Alexander Isak: The Scandinavian Striker
Alexander Isak is the focal point of the Swedish attack, much like Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in the past. He has already scored in Sweden’s pre-World Cup friendly vs. rival Norway. Isak's domestic season was derailed by a devastating injury, but a strong World Cup performance will hopefully act as a springboard to a productive campaign for Liverpool beginning in August.
Where To Watch
Here is each team's schedule for the Group Stages that involve Liverpool players. All 104 matches will air on the Fox family of Networks in the United States. In the UK, they will be broadcast on the BBC and ITV.
Group C schedule
Saturday, June 13: Brazil vs Morocco - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 6 pm ET
Friday, June 19: Brazil vs Haiti - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - 9 pm ET
Wednesday, June 24: Scotland vs Brazil - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami - 6 pm ET
Group E Schedule
Sunday, June 14: Germany vs Curacao - NRG Stadium, Houston - 1 pm ET
Saturday, June 20: Germany vs Ivory Coast - BMO Field, Toronto - 4 pm ET
Thursday, June 25: Ecuador vs Germany - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 4pm ET
Group F schedule
Sunday, June 14: Netherlands vs Japan - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 4pm ET
Sunday, June 14: Sweden vs Tunisia - Estadio BBVA, Monterrey - 10pm ET
Saturday, June 20: Netherlands vs Sweden- NRG Stadium, Houston - 1pm ET
Saturday, June 20: Tunisia vs Japan - Estadio BBVA, Monterrey - Midnight ET
Thursday, June 25: Japan vs Sweden- AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 7pm ET
Thursday, June 25: Tunisia vs Netherlands - Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City - 7pm ET
Group I Schedule
Tuesday, June 16: France vs Senegal - MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey - 3pm ET
Monday, June 22: France vs Iraq - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - 5pm ET
Friday, June 26: Norway vs France - Gillette Stadium, Boston - 3pm ET
Group J Schedule
Tuesday, June 16: Argentina vs Algeria - Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City - 9pm ET
Monday, June 22: Argentina vs Austria - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 1pm ET
Saturday, June 27: Jordan vs Argentina - AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 10pm ET
LFC Globe Verdict
Liverpool players are set to make a big impact at the 2026 World Cup. Some, like Alexander Isak, will carry the team while others will be vital role players. Either way, no matter the country, we can all cheer on the Reds while we wait for the new season to start. Enjoy the games, everyone!
Have Your Say
What are you looking forward to the most about the upcoming World Cup? Drop a comment below.