Liverpool sent eight players to represent six nations at the 2026 World Cup. Going into the quarter-finals, they have one man standing. This is how Andoni Iraola’s men have succeeded and failed at this unique three-country tournament.
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) A-
Another international tournament where Gakpo has been the centrepiece for the Netherlands’ attack, with three goals and one assist in the four games the Dutch played before being dumped out of the competition by Morocco.
Alongside his strike partners Brian Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville, the 27-year-old was Mr Reliable for Ronald Koeman’s side, playing a starring role in the Netherlands’s 5-1 hammering of Sweden, but it was not enough for the Oranje as they failed to progress past the Round of 32.
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands) B
Netherlands’ captain would have hoped for his side to match their quarter-finals appearance at the 2022 edition of the tournament in Qatar, but it was not meant to be. They exited in the Round of 32, falling to Morocco in a penalty shootout. However, the 35-year-old showed that despite ageing, the central defender is still capable of performing at the highest level, showing consistently strong defensive performances. Van Dijk also pitched in with a goal against Japan in the Dutch’s tournament opener, as well as an assist against Tunisia in the final group stage match. Sadly for the Netherlands, this is probably the last time their captain will play on the world stage.
Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands) C-
A masterclass of a performance against Japan in the first match of the tournament, grabbing two assists, Gravenberch failed to kick on for the rest of his side’s time in North America. The 24-year-old’s involvement in midfield was far less than his partner Frenkie De Jong, and he failed to impose himself in subsequent matches. He was subbed off in the 86th minute against Morocco, and watched his side crash out the tournament in the Round of 32 from the sidelines.
Alisson (Brazil) B+
No sixth star for Brazil as they exited the tournament in the Round of 16 at the hands of surprise package Norway. Alisson was simply unable to halt Erling Haaland, who scored twice. The 33-year-old conceded just four goals from the 18 shots he faced throughout the tournament. Only Morocco, Japan and the Norwegians were able to breach the shot-stopper. However, despite his high save percentage of 77.8 per cent, the goalkeeper’s effort was not enough to halt the Seleção from departing the tournament earlier than expected.
Florian Wirtz (Germany) B+
Looking as bit as influential for his country as he was for his club side (when finally integrated), Wirtz always looked like adding some star quality to the German when he received the ball. Three assists in four matches, as well as impressive defensive contributions to go with his outstanding forward play made the 23-year-old one of the more accomplished players at the tournament for Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Sadly for the Germans, their World Cup ended prematurely at the hands of Paraguay via penalty shootout in the Round of 32.
Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina) B
Mac Allister has been a constant figure in the South American’s side as they look to go back-to-back. The 27-year-old has played the full match in four of Lionel Scaloni’s side’s five games, and has shown his passing and defensive prowess in the double pivot Argentina deploy. These are encouraging performances after his season of struggle at the Reds, with a quarter-final against Switzerland coming up. Argentina should count themselves fortunate to still be in the tournament, after two late wins, and play Switzerland in the quarterfinals Saturday.
Alexander Isak (Sweden) B-
Isak was in top form when Graham Potter’s side kicked of their tournament with a 5-1 dismantling of Tunisia, with the 26-year-old scoring once and assisting twice. The forward was one of few shining lights in their second group match, grabbing another assist as the Swedes lost 5-1 to the Netherlands. But following those two matches, Isak was ineffective in the following two matches. Sweden’s time in North America ended with a 3-0 defeat against France in the Round of 32.
Wataru Endo (Japan) n/a
Called-up for the tournament whilst recovering from a footy injury sustained in February, Japan announced on the day of the World Cup opener that the 33-year-old had pulled out of the squad after failing to recover.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
He might not be on the roster anymore, but you can bet thousands of Anfield supporters were cheering Salah on in their Round of 16 battle with Argentina. Under Salah’s captaincy, Egypt reached the knockout rounds for the first time. The legend also recorded a goal and two assists.
