15 Liverpool players on international duty and where they are playing this week

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Five Liverpool players have already secured their spots for the 2026 World Cup, but there's still room for more, with others potentially leading their nations to next year's grandest soccer event.

The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be hosted by three countries - the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico. With the competition expanding from 32 to 48 teams for the upcoming edition, several spots are up for grabs that some of Liverpool's seasoned players might be targeting.

As it stands, 28 countries have qualified ahead of the final round of matches, while others may face play-offs early next year.

Liverpool players who have already qualified

Five of Liverpool's international stars can already celebrate, knowing they'll be heading to the three host nations next year.

Japan's captain Wataru Endo was the first to secure his team's spot, while fellow international skipper Mohamed Salah also guided his Egypt squad to qualification. This will be the winger's second international tournament in six months, as the African Cup of Nations kicks off at the end of this year.

Under the guidance of England manager Thomas Tuchel, Curtis Jones has seen increased involvement in the Three Lions' plans. However, an injury-riddled early season has left him out of the squad for the upcoming matches. Jones is hopeful that sufficient playing time in Arne Slot's team will bolster his chances of selection for England next summer.

In other news, two members of Liverpool's South American contingent are setting their sights on the World Cup. Reigning champions Argentina, featuring Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, have secured their spot, as has Alisson's Brazil.

So, who else might make the cut?

With the final round of qualifying matches looming, numerous senior Liverpool players are teetering on the edge of inclusion in next year's tournament.

The Netherlands, needing a single victory in their last two qualifiers, could see the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Jeremie Frimpong heading to the tournament. Yet the latter will be absent from the upcoming matches due to injury.

For Ibrahima Konate and Hugo Ekitike, their French team finds itself in a similar position, with just one win needed over the coming days. The situation is more challenging for Hungary. Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez must secure strong results while battling Ireland and Armenia for a playoff spot.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk are both dreaming of playing in the World Cup

Florian Wirtz and Germany are currently leading Group A, but they may still need two victories, with a potential showdown against Slovakia in the final match, which could be the deciding factor, as both teams presently have nine points after four games.

Scotland has already secured a playoff spot, but if Andy Robertson and his teammates can secure two wins in their remaining matches, they'll go straight through at the top of their group.

The Italians are in a similar position to Scotland, with victories against Moldova and Norway potentially propelling them to the top of their group. However, Liverpool's Federico Chiesa won't be joining the November squad, as he has made himself available for international duty.

Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak both still have a chance to progress through the playoffs, thanks to their Nations League ranking. The Northern Ireland team can still achieve this through the group, while Sweden's World Cup hopes now rest on the Nations League route, given their current standing in the qualifying fixtures.

Lastly, Georgia still has a mathematical chance of qualifying, but for Giorgi Mamardashvili, a trip to the World Cup seems unlikely. Despite being on loan at Roma this season, Kostas Tsimikas remains a Liverpool player, but unfortunately for the Greece national team, they've already been eliminated, with no chance of qualifying through the group or via their Nations League ranking.