Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, celebrates victory after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)placeholder image
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, celebrates victory after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Plenty of Liverpool stars will be heading to the World Cup next year
The World Cup qualifiers brought both tears of joy and heartbreak as 42 of the final countries secured their place in the 2026 tournament.
A number of Liverpool stars secured their country’s place in North America next year but one of the biggest talking points of the qualifying stages was Scotland’s triumph over Denmark.
The Scots, spearheaded by Andy Robertson, qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 with a heroic 4-2 win over Denmark. Two stunning stoppage times goals secured Scotland’s place at the top of their group, in front of a bouncing home crowd at Hampden Park. Scotland won four of their six qualifying games in Group C, sending Robertson to his first ever World Cup.
World Cup qualification a boost for Liverpool and Andy Robertson
The left-back’s historic achievement can only do wonders for his form and confidence right now. Robertson spent the summer pondering his position at Anfield, with the public well aware of Liverpool’s intentions of signing a new left-back. Robertson struggled to hit the usual heights of his form last season, raising alarm bells that the Reds needed a more reliable figure to compete with the 31-year-old.
The Scot was demoted in favour of Milos Kerkez at the start of this season but he has since been thrown back into the mix following disappointing performances from his teammate and competition. Kerkez has struggled to reach the standard that impressed many while he was at Bournemouth, and Robertson has been on-hand to swoop in and patch up the leaks.
The left-back has started five of Liverpool’s last six fixtures and put in solid performances in results like the 1-0 win over Real Madrid. Liverpool remain in a sticky point right now, eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, but the Reds are visibly lacking confidence. The team has shown how positivity can feed further positive results, which paid off against Madrid after their 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
In order to keep his fitness up ahead of the World Cup, Robertson will need regular minutes in the tank at club level. With Kerkez not selling those around him and also failing to qualify to qualify for the World Cup with Hungary, now seems far from the right time to reintroduce him to a starting role at Liverpool.
This scenario will likely see Robertson keep his starting spot, which will only improve his performances and his confidence for both club and country.
Andy Robertson mentions Diogo Jota in emotional post-match interview
Robertson, who was clearly emotional during his post-match interview, admitted he couldn’t stop thinking about Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota and their conversations together about playing in the World Cup.
“I’ve hid it well, but today I’ve been in bits. I know the age I’m at, this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup. I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much about the World Cup,” the Scotland skipper admitted to the BBC.
“He missed out last time because of injury, I missed out because Scotland didn’t qualify and we always discussed what it would be like going to the World Cup. I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier. I think I hid it well from the boys. I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight. I couldn’t get him out of my head all day.”
His comments struck a chord with so many Liverpool fans and beyond. Robertson was praised for his touching tribute online, with many lauding his interview as much as his football.
“If BBCSport put Andy Robertson’s interview up in full, make sure you watch every second of it. A first class footballer. An even better man,” wrote reporter Dominic King.
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