World Cup selection is something that’s decided over months of observing club performance, fitness levels, and how a player fits in a national setup. For Liverpool supporters, there’s a different kind of attention in the build-up. Many Reds represent countries with strong qualification positions, while others are competing in deeper pools where selection isn’t guaranteed. With the World Cup kicking off in June 2026 and qualification closing in March 2026, some players are quickly becoming near-certain selections. Meanwhile, others still need a few steady seasons under their belts.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt
Mohamed Salah is an important player in Egypt’s plans, anchoring their attack even though the team has adjusted its approach. While he leans more towards efficiency, rather than volume, his decision-making defines matches.
Egypt has stayed on their course toward qualification, although they are currently sitting at 400/1 outright odds. If they qualify, Salah’s selection is a certainty. Barring any serious injury, his experience and leadership make him one of the safest choices out of the current Liverpool players to feature at the World Cup.
Ibrahima Konate, France
Ibrahima Konaté plays on one of the most competitive teams in international football. France rotate heavily, especially when it comes to defence, but Konaté’s physical presence and recovery speed give him a clear role.
France are also seen as one of the top contenders heading into the World Cup. Current outright prices with most bookmakers list them at around 17/2 to win the tournament, which reflects punters’ confidence in their skills. Punters tend to follow these odds across non UK sports betting sites, because international outright markets and squad-related pricing often appear earlier and with broader coverage. France’s strength is what’s shaping Konaté’s tournament outlook, and it keeps him firmly in contention.
Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk’s influence shapes how the Netherlands holds its line and manages pressure, making him one of the organising forces for the Netherlands. Traditionally, Dutch sides rely on defensive structure, and van Dijk provides that with calm authority.
Qualification trends suggest that the Netherlands will reach the tournament without issue. Currently, they are sitting at 25/1 outright odds on several bookmakers’ sites. If they do qualify, van Dijk’s presence won’t be in question. His ability to handle high-stakes situations works in his favour, since composure is definitely needed in tournament football.
Alexis Mac Allister, Argentina
Alexis Mac Allister is a reliable midfielder on the Argentinian team. While not flashy, his awareness of space and timing suits knockout football, where control often outweighs risk.
Currently enjoying 17/2 outright odds, Argentina have been steadily progressing toward qualification. Their preference for continuity works in Mac Allister’s favour. He’s already experienced triumph at a World Cup, so he understands the rhythms and pressures of a tournament. That experience carries weight when final selections are made, especially in midfield roles where discipline is key.
Cody Gakpo, Netherlands
Cody Gakpo has the flexibility that international managers value. He can play across the front line, adjust to different match states, and continue without demanding constant focus.
Gakpo has a strong scoring record at the international level, which is appealing to national managers. They’re more likely to trust players who have delivered in previous tournaments. If he maintains his consistent club minutes, his route to selection looks strong.
Alisson Becker, Brazil
Brazil has a number of top goalkeepers to choose from, and selection often comes down to timing and form, rather than reputation alone. This means that Alisson Becker faces more competition than most goalkeepers.
Historically, Brazil has qualified for the World Cup every year, so they’re sure to qualify again. They’re also a contender to win the tournament at 17/2 odds. Tournament squads typically look for reliability in goal, and Alisson’s experience, distribution, and calm under pressure are valuable traits. This keeps him firmly in the conversation.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, England
While Trent Alexander-Arnold is at the centre of ongoing discussions, England is facing the challenge of fitting abundant talent into defined roles. They’re currently priced at 13/2 odds of winning the tournament. Alexander-Arnold has technical range, meaning he can play in several different positions. This is good for tournament football, where adaptability matters.
The competition is intense, but Alexander-Arnold’s versatility ups his chance of selection.
Fighting for International Ground
Not every Liverpool player enjoys an established international role. Younger or rotational figures often sit just outside established squads and rely on sustained club form to gain trust. International managers tend to limit experimentation at major tournaments, making consistency essential. While breakthroughs do happen, these players face narrower margins than their more established teammates.
It’s the players with stable roles at Liverpool who provide needed assurance for international camps. Rotational players face more scrutiny, even if they have consistently solid performances.
With Liverpool’s current structure, international players benefit from this assurance because their defined responsibilities show stability. National managers appreciate this when national tournaments come around.
The Final Stretch Toward Selection
AS qualification phases come to a close, small details become more important. Minutes played, recovery from minor injuries, and tactical usage all influence trust, and market movement around tournament odds often reflects these shifts.
For Liverpool fans, there are familiar patterns. Players attached to settled national sides are closest to selection, while rotational players face harder decisions. But Liverpool look set to be well represented once again when the World Cup starts.
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