Sunday marked the beginning of the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. Whilst there have been some exciting games so far across North America, now we get into the business end of proceedings.
All seven Liverpool players made it to the knockout rounds of the World Cup, but the final set of group matches produced a mixed bag of performances.
Mistakes at these stages can result in you buying an early plane ticket home, so which of our Liverpool players can expect to extend their stay in the greatest competition in football?
Alisson - Brazil vs Japan
The trusted shot stopper of the most decorated nation in World Cup history. The 5-time world champions breezed through a group that many had them topping. In one of the more lopsided groups at this tournament, they ended up top on goal difference.
The only goal they conceded was in the frantic first half against Morocco. A game that ended up totally fizzling out.
Whilst they weren’t really tested in the group, they will be against Japan in the Round of 32. Japan have not had the luxury of an easy group by any means. They’ve had to battle for points against Sweden and Holland, whilst steam-rolling Tunisia along the way.
The point against the Netherlands is the standout here. They’ve proven they can go toe-to-toe with one of the bigger teams at the tournament and come away with something.
Their slick, stylish football is almost guaranteed to create chances, chances that Alisson will be expected to stop. This will be arguably his toughest test at this World Cup.
But, regardless of the step up, this is Brazil in a knockout format. They can turn into a different beast when the pressure is on, and I think that will be the telling factor here.
Japan will put up a fight, but Brazil will ultimately step into the Round of 16.
Brazil 3-1 Japan.
Our Dutch Trio - Netherlands vs Morocco
For some, this might be the tie of the round. The Netherlands v Morocco. One of Europe's best against Africa’s elite.
In all honesty, they both look good, and if they weren’t playing each other at such an early juncture, we could see both teams putting together a bit of a run.
Alas, this is how the cards have fallen, and we get a mouth-watering tie to look forward to. The Dutch are scoring for fun, in a group not deemed as easy either. Putting 10 goals past Sweden, Japan and Tunisia is quite the feat.
With the style of play the Dutch are implementing, chances will always be conceded, and that will be the only blot on the copybook of the group stage for them. They’ve shipped 4 goals in 3 games, and Morocco will be looking to exploit it.
Whilst Virgil van Dijk and Grav have been pretty regular, we’ve seen the major tournament inevitably occur with Cody Gakpo.
As soon as he pulls on an orange shirt, he’s a different man. There are times at this World Cup that I’ve pushed my negative feelings about Gakpo to the back of my mind and tried to enjoy his games as an unbiased neutral.Â
Whilst there is little chance of it carrying over into next year's Premier League season, I’m going to enjoy it whilst it lasts.
Whilst I’m hoping for fireworks here, I think Holland will shine a little brighter than Morocco, and I don’t just mean the shirts.
Holland 2-1 Morocco.
Florian Wirtz - Germany vs Paraguay
Germany find themselves in one of the easier Round of 32 games on paper. They’re up against Paraguay on Monday, who haven’t been exactly lighting the tournament up.
The same can be said for Florian Wirtz, actually. He’s putting in performances very similar to how he played for us towards the end of the season.Â
There is absolutely no doubt of the boy's talent, but his performances still leave you wanting more. Paraguay is hopefully the exception to the rule.
Germany, on the whole, looks very solid. They always tend to play their way into the tournament, and as it gets to crunch time, they just know how to win. But i they’re looking to have a deep run at this year's tournament, they’ll need players like Flo to turn up.
Whilst this should be a run-of-the-mill win, putting in good performances at this stage helps the team but also sends a message to the others in their path. Here’s hoping for a Flo masterclass to remind everyone why he is worth the hefty price tag.
Germany 3 - 0 Paraguay
Alexis Mac Allister - Argentina
It must be a delight to play behind the greatest footballer to ever live. This is quickly becoming Messi’s tournament, and with another goal against Jordan, he practically has one hand on the golden boot.
If you really concentrate on it, you can watch other players on the Argentina team other than Messi. Take a peek into midfield, and you’ll find Alexis Mac Allister.
You can tell Macca adores playing for his nation and helping the team out where he can. It’s clear to see that he doesn't mind doing the legwork.
He is sitting a little deeper at this tournament and is a proper shield for the Argentine defence. He’s mopping up loose balls and actually winning his duels, something that wasn’t always present for us last season.
He’s trusted by Lionel Scaloni, and he looks more solid as a result. Watching him play for Argentina, I don’t get the same liability feelings as I did when he played last season. He looks settled.
They find themselves up against a Cape Verde side that is surprising everyone at the tournament, a tie that will only go one way.
Messi will once again take centre stage, and it’s not a case of if he will score, it’s a case of how many.
Argentina 4 - 0 Cape Verde
Alexander Isak - Sweden
One of the highlights for Liverpool fans at this World Cup has been the performances of Alexander Isak. Liverpool’s record transfer striker is enjoying good form in a good team.
He found a little form pre-tournament, and he’s carried it into the summer. The most exciting part of it for us is that he’s actually playing 90 minutes and getting through that relatively easily.
However, I’m not sure how many more 90-minute World Cup games we’ll see from him going forward.
Sweden is up against, in my opinion, the clear favourites for the whole thing. They’re devastating and rock solid, and that’s a dangerous combo. Dembele and Mbappe are having their own internal golden boot race, which is bad news for every other defence.
They know how to win major tournaments, and they’ll be leaning on that experience as they progress deeper in the knockout stage.
Whilst Sweden has looked good, this is one step too far for the men in yellow, and they’ll likely come undone. Could they shock the world and eliminate the favourites? Anything could happen, but I just can’t see it.
Isak will be back on Merseyside before we know it, and hopefully, he adapts to Iraola’s heavy cardio demands. If he can, we might see the best out of Isak come August.
France 3 - 1 Sweden
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