Andoni Iraola stands to benefit from the exit of Germany and the Netherlands from the World Cup‘s round of 32, with four key players back for the USA tour.
Liverpool are expected to depart for their pre-season tour of the United States in the week leading up to their opening friendly against Sunderland (July 25).
The belief had been that Iraola would be missing most if not all of his World Cup contingent for at least the start of the trip Stateside.
But with Germany and the Netherlands losing on penalties to Paraguay and Morocco on Monday night, the squad will be boosted by the return of four players.
German players celebrate after scoring during the World Cup Group E soccer match between Germany and Curacao in Houston, Sunday, June 14, 2026. Florian Wirtz (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Florian Wirtz, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo are all now likely to return for pre-season ahead of the Sunderland friendly.
Players are typically given three weeks off after their time at a major summer tournament concludes, which would see those four players due back on July 21.
After initial testing, which could take place in the US, they will then be gradually reintegrated as part of the squad for Liverpool’s warmup games.
It is not unlikely that Wirtz, Van Dijk, Gravenberch and Gakpo could be cleared to feature against Sunderland, with their minutes staggered compared to their team-mates.
Who will report back first for Liverpool’s pre-season?
Position Players Reporting Back
Goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Armin Pecsi
Defenders Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Calvin Ramsay
Midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Trey Nyoni, Stefan Bajcetic, James McConnell
Forwards Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns
Liverpool are already set to welcome a strong squad back to the AXA Training Centre for day one of pre-season under Iraola.
With reports suggesting a start date of July 13, the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha should all be part of the first group.
Iraola could also see Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet available after long-term injuries, while a number of youngsters are also expected to be involved.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As captain, Van Dijk’s presence early on in pre-season will be crucial, particularly with Liverpool losing a number of their established leaders already this summer.
A decision will be made on the next vice-captain following Andy Robertson‘s exit, though one of the leading candidates, Alisson, has advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup with Brazil.
There are now only four Liverpool players still in action at this summer’s tournament, with Alisson joined by Alexis Mac Allister, Alexander Isak and new signing Victor Munoz.