Liverpool Preseason 2026: Schedule, Results, and Andoni Iraola's Plans
New manager Andoni Iraola is leading Liverpool into the upcoming season, starting with a busy preseason tour across the United States. Following the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the Reds are traveling to Nashville, New York City, and Chicago to prepare physically and sharpen their squad before the Premier League kicks off.
Some Liverpool players who took part in the World Cup need extra rest, while others are already primed to jump into preseason action. Their first competitive match is set for August 23, making these warm-ups important for fitness and team cohesion.
Preseason Matches and Results
Liverpool opened their preseason with a 4-2 win against Sunderland in Nashville on July 25. Goals came from Dominik Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa around halftime, plus contributions from young talents Kieran Morris and Lewis Koumas.
The next friendly will be against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium in New York City on July 29.
*On August 16, Liverpool will play two matches against Como at Anfield—one behind closed doors early morning and one open to fans in the afternoon. This approach has become routine, similar to last year's double-header against Athletic Club.
Where Liverpool Will Play Preseason Games
Three of Liverpool’s five preseason fixtures take place in the U.S., including stops in New York City and Chicago. The final two matches return to Anfield. One of those games involves splitting the squad for two meetings with Como, with one match private and the other public.
World Cup Players’ Return Timeline
Players returning from the World Cup have a 21-day rest period after their final match. Seven Reds took part, with three representing the Netherlands: Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk. They are expected back at training in late July and should join the U.S. tour ahead of the Leeds United game in Chicago.
Alisson, who considered leaving the club this summer but seems likely to stay, follows the same timeline. Alexis Mac Allister, who played in the World Cup final with Argentina, will return later in August and might miss some early season matches due to recovery.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, whose teams exited early in the knockout stages, have already rejoined the squad and will soon ramp up their preseason involvement.
Start of Liverpool’s Premier League Campaign
Liverpool opens their 2026/27 league season away at Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23, with kickoff at 4:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET). The schedule alternates home and away matches until late October, when they face back-to-back home games against Brighton and Arsenal.
