Liverpool 2026 Preseason Tour and Fixtures: What to Expect Under Andoni Iraola
The new Liverpool manager, Andoni Iraola, is gearing up the squad for the upcoming season with a series of preseason matches across the United States. Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup that took place in North America, the Reds will visit cities like Nashville, New York City, and Chicago to build match fitness and get valuable minutes before the Premier League kicks off.
Several players coming back from the World Cup need time to recover, while others are already preparing for the start of competitive action. Below is a detailed look at Liverpool’s preseason lineup ahead of their first official game on August 23.
Preseason Match Schedule and Results
Liverpool opened their preseason with a 4-2 win over Sunderland on July 25 in Nashville. Goals came from Dominik Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa around halftime, plus strikes from young talents Kieran Morris and Lewis Koumas.
Next on the agenda is a match against Wrexham in New York City on July 29. Afterward, Liverpool will face Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 2.
*Note: There will be two matches against Como on August 16—one behind closed doors at 7 a.m. ET and another public game at 1 p.m. ET. This split-squad approach has been part of Liverpool’s recent preseasons, similar to last August’s double-header against Athletic Club.
Locations of Preseason Matches
Out of the five scheduled preseason games, three will take place in the United States across Nashville, New York City, and Chicago. The final two matches return to Liverpool’s home ground, Anfield, including the unique double fixture against Como.
Return Dates for World Cup Players
Players involved in the World Cup receive a mandatory 21-day rest after their tournament finishes. Liverpool had seven representatives in the World Cup; notably, Dutch players Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk are expected back in training at Merseyside by late July. They should be ready to join the team stateside before the friendly in Chicago.
Goalkeeper Alisson, who nearly moved clubs this summer but appears set to stay, follows the same return timetable. Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister, who reached the World Cup final, will rejoin the squad later in August and might miss some early-season games due to recovery needs.
Florian Wirtz, eliminated early with Germany, has already come back to the squad along with Alexander Isak, whose Sweden side exited in the same knockout round.
Start of Liverpool's Premier League Season
The first league match of the 2026/27 season for Liverpool is an away trip to Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET). The following fixtures switch between home and away venues until late October, when Liverpool will have back-to-back home games against Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal.
