Image Credits: Imago Images
It’s set to be an interesting period involving the UEFA Nations League.
Three Liverpool stars have been handed a final opportunity to reach the 2026 World Cup after narrowly missing out on automatic qualification through their respective UEFA Nations League campaigns.
Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, and Giorgi Mamardashvili will compete in knockout play-off fixtures scheduled for March 2026, with each player desperate to secure their nation’s passage to the tournament in North America.
For Bradley, the Northern Ireland international faces an uphill battle to propel his country to a first World Cup since 1982, a quest that seemed all but over as the nations competed in an increasingly competitive European qualifying landscape.
Isak carries Sweden’s hopes of returning to a World Cup after missing out on Qatar in 2022, with the forward knowing that failure could mean another four-year absence from the global stage.
Georgia’s Mamardashvili will attempt to guide his nation to their maiden World Cup appearance, representing a genuine chance for the emerging football nation to make history on the international stage.
Meanwhile, there is also a chance for Liverpool FC Women’s Beata Olsson to earn some recognition on the international stage.
Olsson has received her first senior call-up to the Sweden national team, capping a remarkable run of form that has seen the 24-year-old emerge as one of the WSL’s most in-form forwards.
The Swedish forward will join her country’s squad for their UEFA Women’s Nations League third-place playoff against France, with the first leg taking place in Reims on Friday, November 29, before the return fixture in Stockholm on Tuesday, December 3.
Olsson’s inclusion comes as a late replacement for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Rebecka Blomqvist, who withdrew due to injury.
The Liverpool number 11 has earned her opportunity through sensational recent performances, most notably scoring a hat-trick in Saturday’s 4-1 Women’s League Cup victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Since joining Liverpool from Kristianstads DFF in September, Olsson has quickly established herself netting three goals in six WSL appearances.
Her exceptional form has also seen her nominated for November’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month award.
READ MORE: Liverpool chairman gives update on multi-club model plans
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.