The 2026 World Cup gets underway later today, and Liverpool will have their eyes on a few players at the tournament.
Bradley Barcola will be in action for France amid speculation around a move to Anfield this summer.
Elsewhere, Ivory Coast are competing at the World Cup, and Rio Ferdinand thinks the Liverpool target will be one of the best young players at the tournament.
Which ONE player from the 2026 World Cup would you love to see Liverpool sign? ➡️✅
Rio Ferdinand hearing Yan Diomande will sign for Liverpool
The 19-year-old enjoyed a prolific 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig.
In 36 games, he managed to score 13 and assist 10 across all competitions for the German outfit.
Now, coming off the back of such an impressive campaign, Rio Ferdinand has backed the teenager to be the Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, he said: “Young Player of the Tournament? Diomande, Ivory Coast.”
Later in the video, the former centre-back also shared what he’s heard about the future of the winger.
Ferdinand stated: “I keep hearing he’s going to go to Liverpool, that’s what I keep hearing, unfortunately.”
Which Liverpool player do you think will have the BEST World Cup? 🔮
Cody Gakpo could be key for the Netherlands! 👀
When Yan Diomande’s Ivory Coast play at the World Cup
Liverpool have made a financial offer for Diomande, it has been reported, but PSG are also keeping tabs on the player.
A move is not expected to happen while Ivory Coast are competing in North America, given the player’s focus should be on the World Cup.
But Liverpool fans will have at least three chances to see their potential new signing in action over the coming weeks.
Ivory Coast will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Ecuador at midnight on Monday.
They then face Germany at 9pm BST on Saturday, June 20, before rounding out their Group E matches against Curaçao at 9pm on June 25.
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