All eight of Liverpool’s World Cup representatives will now miss the start of the club’s pre-season tour of the United States after progressing to the World Cup knockouts.
After the exits of free agents, Liverpool had seven representatives at this summer’s tournament and later acquired another after the signing of Victor Munoz.
They represent six different nations, all of whom have qualified for the round of 32 – all but Sweden qualified as a group winner or runner-up.
With Liverpool reporting back for the start of pre-season around July 13, it means they will all miss the start of the three-stop tour of the US, at the very least.
Why will World Cup players miss the start of the US tour?
3ETF1B8 Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium, Dallas on Monday 22nd June 2026. (Photo: Pat Isaacs | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News
3ETF1B8 Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium, Dallas on Monday 22nd June 2026. (Photo: Pat Isaacs | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News
Liverpool’s tour starts with a clash against Sunderland in Nashville on July 25, less than three weeks after the round of 32 concludes.
It has been customary for the club to give players at least three weeks off after their involvement in an international tournament.
This timeline would see players miss the start of the tour if they are knocked out after the round of 32, with progression in the tournament only delaying their return further.
The last 16 concludes on July 7, and any player to bow out at that stage would, at minimum, miss the first two matches of the tour.
Liverpool 2026 Pre-Season USA Tour Fixtures
Sunderland: Nashville, GEODIS Park – Saturday, July 25
Wrexham: New York, Yankee Stadium – Wednesday, July 29
Leeds: Chicago, Soldier Field – Sunday, August 2
With the final stop against Leeds taking place on August 2, it is feasible that they would play no part at all, with a focus instead placed on being up to speed for the two Anfield friendlies.
The Reds host Monaco and Como on August 9 and 16, respectively, ahead of their season opener at Newcastle on August 23.
Any player who progresses to the semi-final, however, may only have the opportunity to feature in the last friendly before the Premier League resumes, as it starts on July 14 and a bronze final will follow.
Iraola, therefore, may only have his full contingent of players less than a fortnight before his first competitive game as Liverpool’s head coach.
Who will each of the players face in the round of 32?
Elliott (2)
Elliott (2)
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1 circle collage (33)