Liverpool preseason schedule, results 2026: Dates, times, more to know about Andoni Iraola plans

Liverpool preseason schedule, results 2026: Dates, times, more to know about Andoni Iraola plans originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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New manager Andoni Iraola will usher the Liverpool squad into the 2026/27 campaign as the Reds ramp up their preseason slate with a tour of the United States.

Following in the footsteps of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, also held across North America, Liverpool will visit Nashville, New York City, and Chicago as they look to build fitness and earn minutes ahead of what should be a long and testing season.

Some Reds players participated in the World Cup this summer and will need extra time to rest and recover, while others are ready to gear up for the start of the Premier League season.

The Sporting News brings you through a look at Liverpool’s preseason as they get ready to play their first competitive match on August 23.

MORE:Tottenham preseason schedule for 2026 summer

Liverpool preseason schedule, results 2026

Liverpool began their preseason slate with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in Nashville on July 25. The Reds got goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa bracketing halftime, while young stars Kieran Morris and Lewis Koumas also added goals of their own.

Next up is a meeting with Wrexham in New York City on July 29.

Opponent (result)DateLocationKO time (ET)Sunderland (W 4-2)Sat, Jul. 25GEODIS Park (Nashville, TN)5 p.m.WrexhamWed, July 29Yankee Stadium (New York City, NY)7:30 p.m.Leeds UnitedSun, Aug. 2Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)4 p.m.AS MonacoSun, Aug. 9Anfield (Liverpool, England)9:30 a.m.ComoSun, Aug. 16Anfield (Liverpool, England)*1 p.m.

* There will be two matches against Como, one behind closed doors at 7 a.m. ET and another at 1 p.m. ET open to the public

Where are Liverpool playing preseason games?

Three of Liverpool’s five preseason matches will take place in the United States, with games in New York City and Chicago.

Then, they will travel back to England and play two more matches at their home stadium of Anfield. There will actually be three matches, but one will be a split-squad game against Como, which will feature one match behind closed doors and another open to the public. This has been a regular feature of Liverpool’s preseason plans in recent years — they played a double-header against Athletic Club last August, winning 3-2 and 4-1.

When do World Cup players return to Liverpool?

All World Cup participants are allowed 21 days of rest when their tournament comes to an end.

Liverpool had seven players participate in the World Cup, three of whom were with the Dutch national team. Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk all should return to training at Merseyside in late July and are expected to join the team in the United States before the friendly in Chicago.

The same timeline will be followed for Alisson, who flirted with an exit this summer but seems set to stay. Alexis Mac Allister, who reached the final with Argentina, will not be back until later in August, and it’s possible he could miss the first few games of the season as he gets rest after a grueling summer tournament.

Florian Wirtz, whose Germany was ousted in the Round of 32, has already rejoined the squad and will be available to ramp up soon. The same is true for Alexander Isak whose Sweden team was also eliminated by France in that same early knockout stage.

When is Liverpool’s first Premier League game of 2026/27?

Liverpool’s campaign begins with a trip to face Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23. The kickoff for that game is 4:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET).

Liverpool then alternate home and away all the way through late October when they have their first consecutive home matches against Brighton and Hove Albion, and Arsenal.

Liverpool first five Premier League fixtures 2026/27

DateOpponentHome/awaySun., August 23NewcastleAwaySat., August 29N. ForestHomeFri., September 4Ipswich TownAwaySat., September 12FulhamHomeSun., September 20BournemouthAway