Journalist: Liverpool stars ready for World Cup 2026 action | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Players In Search Of 2026 World Cup

The final line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been confirmed following the European play-off finals on Tuesday night. With all 48 spots secured, focus now shifts to the clubs sending the most talent to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and Liverpool lead the way with 13 representatives.

The most dramatic moment of the evening came as Italy fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in Zenica. The Azzurri become the first former champions to miss three consecutive World Cups, leaving fans facing a 16-year drought without seeing their team on football’s biggest stage.

Photo: IMAGO

Alisson will guard Brazil’s net in Group C, where the five-time champions face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. “When fit, Alisson remains their undisputed number one,” and although the 33-year-old missed Brazil’s March warm-ups through injury, he is expected to return before the tournament kicks off. Group C could even produce a meeting with fellow Liverpool man Andy Robertson.

Mohamed Salah confirmed Egypt’s qualification in October, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Djibouti. “He became the all-time leading goalscorer in African World Cup qualifying history.” Egypt are drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, giving Salah a strong chance to help the Pharaohs advance.

Alexander Isak faces a summer of redemption with Sweden after an arduous qualification campaign. Having finished bottom of their qualifying group, Sweden secured their place via the Nations League play-off route, culminating in a 3-2 win over Poland. Isak’s fitness is a concern following a groin injury and a serious ankle and fibula break in December.

Midfielders Shaping Their Nations’ Hopes

Florian Wirtz impressed during the international break, scoring twice and assisting twice as Germany came from behind to beat Switzerland 4-3 in a warm-up. Germany face Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E, offering Wirtz an opportunity to carry his form into the knockout stages.

Alexis Mac Allister remains central to Argentina’s plans as the reigning World Cup champions. Argentina are in Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan, a draw that should allow them to progress before testing the depth of their squad in later rounds.

Andy Robertson led Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998, securing qualification with a 4-2 injury-time victory over Denmark. Robertson dedicated the result to his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota. Scotland will contest Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, a tough assignment but one they reached through determination.

Photo: IMAGO

Defence and Emerging Stars

Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong will all represent the Netherlands. Van Dijk guided the Oranje through qualifying unbeaten, though Frimpong’s injury during a friendly against Ecuador raises concerns ahead of the summer.

France will take two Liverpool players, Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate, in Group I. Ekitike’s rise at Liverpool has been rapid, and both are expected to travel to North America. Wataru Endo, meanwhile, forms part of Japan’s early qualification story, securing their World Cup spot with a 2-0 win over Bahrain. Japan are drawn in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.

Liverpool’s contribution to the 2026 World Cup highlights the club’s influence on the international stage, with 13 players ready to take their talents to the world’s biggest tournament.