Jun 2, 2026 6:00 PM
Updated Jun 3, 2026 6:18 AM

Now that the Premier League season has come to an end, the football world turns its eyes to the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Liverpool FC finds itself heavily represented on the main international stage, from European captains to South American playmakers; the Reds are sending elite talent into football’s biggest tournament.

Netherlands

Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk battles for the ball against Argentina forward Julian Alvarez. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY SportsNetherlands defender Virgil van Dijk battles for the ball against Argentina forward Julian Alvarez. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Virgil van Dijk - The Netherlands captain remains the heartbeat of his national side, bringing a mixture of composure, aerial dominance, and leadership. Van Dijk’s partnership with a young defence of Jurrien Timber, Micky van de Ven, and Jorrel Hato could well provide the balance needed for a genuine title challenge.

Ryan Gravenberch - Bringing composure and technical quality to Ronald Koeman’s side, Gravenberch is set to offer a dynamic edge alongside players like Frenkie de Jong and Tiijjani Rejinders.

In the past season at club level, Gravenberch has added tactical discipline to his naturally elegant style of play. If on top of his game, he could become one of the breakout midfielders of the World Cup 2026.

Cody Gakpo - Although his club form for Liverpool has been inconsistent this season, Cody Gakpo has repeatedly shown that the international stage brings out the very best in him.

This makes him a vital cog for the Netherlands. Gakpo has a proven track record of rising to the occasion in major tournaments, using his direct running and clinical finishing to become one of the Dutch side’s biggest attacking threats.

Argentina 

Jul 9, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister (20) in action against Canada during the second half at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY SportsJul 9, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister (20) in action against Canada during the second half at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Alexis Mac Allister - Already a World Cup winner from 2022, Mac Allister carries a greater responsibility in Lionel Scaloni’s evolving squad. Despite not reaching his very best form at club level this season, Mac Allister remains an important player in Argentina’s bid to defend their World Cup crown in 2026, something no nation has achieved since Brazil in 1962.

If he can rediscover his sharpest form on the international stage, he may once again become one of the driving forces behind another deep Argentine run.

Brazil

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti speaks to media ahead of the World Cup - Museu do Amanha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - May 18, 2026 Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti names Liverpool's Alisson Becker in his squad during the press conference REUTERS/Ricardo MoraesSoccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti speaks to media ahead of the World Cup - Museu do Amanha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - May 18, 2026 Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti names Liverpool's Alisson Becker in his squad during the press conference REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Alisson Becker - Despite injury concerns throughout this season, Alisson remains Brazil’s undisputed number one. We know that when Brazil arrives at a World Cup, expectations follow, and knowing Alisson is in goal breeds confidence. Capable of match-winning saves, he provides stability to a side that's heavy with attacking talent. Brazil’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy may heavily depend on his gloves.

Germany 

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Germany v Finland - MEWA Arena, Mainz, Germany - May 31, 2026 Germany's Florian Wirtz lines up before the match REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachSoccer Football - International Friendly - Germany v Finland - MEWA Arena, Mainz, Germany - May 31, 2026 Germany's Florian Wirtz lines up before the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Florian Wirtz - Although we have seen glimmers of excellence from Wirtz in a Liverpool shirt while he is still settling in at the club, there is no doubt he is a creative force to be reckoned with at the international level.

Missing out on participating in the 2022 World Cup due to an ACL injury, you can’t help but think Wirtz is set to be the star player of the tournament.

France

Dec 14, 2022; Al Khor, Qatar; France defender Ibrahima Konate (24) celebrates after winning a semifinal match against Morocco during the 2022 World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY SportsDec 14, 2022; Al Khor, Qatar; France defender Ibrahima Konate (24) celebrates after winning a semifinal match against Morocco during the 2022 World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Ibrahima Konate - While his Liverpool exit has now been officially confirmed, he is still contracted to the club until the 1st of July, which is after the start of the World Cup. Konate will be entering the World Cup hungry for redemption after France’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2022 final.

Now bringing more experience and physicality, he has become a central figure for both club and country. Didier Deschamps continues to trust Konate in high-pressure moments, highlighting this could be the tournament where he fully establishes himself amongst the elite centre-backs in world football.

Sweden

Alexander Isak - After missing the playoffs due to a broken leg, Graham Potter has called upon Isak to be a part of Sweden’s 26-man squad. Despite a rocky, injury-prone first season at Liverpool, Isak remains the player Sweden will look to for inspiration at the World Cup.

When fully fit, there is no denying his technical brilliance and clinical finishing that trouble even the world’s best defenders. Alongside Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden will be heading into the tournament as a world-class attacking threat.

England

Rio Ngumoha - Ngumoha being invited to England’s World Cup training camp is a huge compliment and recognition of his incredible rise at Liverpool. If given a chance, Rio could bring excitement, fearlessness, and unpredictability to the England squad at the World Cup.

After emerging as a breath of fresh air for Liverpool this season, the young winger’s energy, direct dribbling, and confidence in one-on-one situations have the potential to be the key to unlocking something special in the final third.

Rio is one of the most talked-about young talents in English football right now, and if given game time across the tournament, Ngumoha could quite well become one of the breakout stars of World Cup 2026.

Japan 

Dec 5, 2022; Al-Wakrah, Qatar; Japan midfielder Wataru Endo (6) passes during the second half of a round of sixteen match against Croatia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al-Janoub Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY SportsDec 5, 2022; Al-Wakrah, Qatar; Japan midfielder Wataru Endo (6) passes during the second half of a round of sixteen match against Croatia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al-Janoub Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Wataru Endo - In the lead-up to qualifying for the tournament, Japan have continued to impress on the global stage, and Endo remains their midfield anchor. He brings balance to Japan’s dynamic system. Despite little preparation heading into the World Cup due to injury, Endo is one of Asia’s most respected midfield leaders heading into the competition.

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