Just 48 hours ago, Liverpool still had eight players competing at the 2026 World Cup.
Now, that number has been reduced to just three.
With several nations exiting the tournament over the past two days, Liverpool’s international contingent has rapidly diminished, giving Andoni Iraola the prospect of welcoming most of his squad back well before the new Premier League season begins.
The only Reds still involved are:
● 🇧🇷 Alisson Becker
● 🇦🇷 Alexis Mac Allister
● 🇪🇸 Victor Muñoz
And of those three, only Alisson has secured a place in the Round of 16 so far.
A Huge Boost for Iraola
While no player wants their international campaign to end early, Liverpool may ultimately benefit from the timing.
With the majority of the squad now free to begin their post-tournament break, they are expected to report back for pre-season later in July after a period of rest.
That gives Iraola valuable time to work with almost his entire squad before the Premier League kicks off.
For a new head coach, that continuity could prove invaluable.
More Time on the Training Ground
Implementing a new style of play takes time.
The more sessions a manager has with his players, the quicker those ideas can become second nature.
Liverpool supporters are eager to see Iraola’s high-intensity philosophy take shape, and having key players available for the majority of pre-season should accelerate that process.
With stars such as Florian Wirtz, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak now out of the World Cup, the foundations for the new campaign can begin much earlier than many anticipated.
Alisson Still Flying the Flag
For now, Alisson remains Liverpool’s last confirmed representative in the knockout stages.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the finest in world football, helping his country progress while keeping hopes of World Cup glory alive.
Liverpool supporters will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Brazil’s progress, even if they also hope their number one returns to Merseyside fit and healthy.
Waiting on Mac Allister and Muñoz
There is still hope for Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Muñoz, whose international futures remain unresolved.
Should either progress, Liverpool’s World Cup representation would receive another boost.
If not, both players will join the growing list of Reds preparing for the new season under Iraola.
Focus Beginning to Shift
For Liverpool, the World Cup is slowly giving way to thoughts of the new campaign.
Pre-season is approaching.
New tactical ideas are waiting to be introduced.
Competition for places will begin.
And supporters are eager to see how the new-look Liverpool develops.
Only a few days ago, the club’s attention was spread across eight different international camps.
Now, with just three players still involved—and only Alisson guaranteed a place in the Round of 16—the focus is gradually returning to Anfield.
For Iraola, that may be one of the biggest positives of all.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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