The World Cup group stage has ended, with all eight current Liverpool players making it through to the last-32.
All playing for top teams, barring Alexander Isak, there is a possibility that the Reds have a new winner of the trophy this summer.
But, along with the recently departed Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate, 11 former Liverpool players headed to the tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico, with eight making it through. Of those eight, five have a genuine chance at winning the trophy.
Who has been the standout Liverpool player at the World Cup so far?
There have been some good performances!
Ibrahima Konate, France
Just a couple of months ago, it had felt possible that Liverpool would have two representatives in the France squad which is among the heavy favourites to win the World Cup for the third time in eight editions of the trophy.
However, Hugo Ekitike’s dreams were dashed when he ruptured his Achilles in April, one more before Konate left, despite proclamations that he was set to stay.
Konate has so far only made one, substitute appearance for France, and he is unlikely to play a major role unless there are injuries to William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano or even Maxence Lacroix, who started ahead of him during Les Bleus’ final match of the group against Norway.
Despite being further down the pecking order than he would like, though, Konate has a genuine chance to build on his runners-up medal from 2022 and take a gold this time around.
READ MORE: Jordan Henderson’s four World Cups: How former Liverpool captain made history with England
Jordan Henderson & Jarell Quansah, England
If the World Cup had started slowly for Konate, then former Liverpool teammates Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah could both sympathise.
Neither featured in England’s opening two matches, but after injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento, Quansah did at least start Saturday’s win over Panama. That he was forced off with a twisted ankle will be hugely frustrating, but he should be back in time for the last-16.
If James is still injured, Quansah will be an option to start at right-back for Thomas Tuchel, and with England’s path to the quarter-final opening up, there is hope that the Three Lions can go all the way.
Henderson will be hoping so, with the 36-year-old surely at his last ever World Cup. The former Liverpool captain became the first England player to feature in four World Cups on Saturday with a six-minute cameo, and his experience and leadership could yet be crucial as Tuchel looks to end 60 years of hurt.
Fabinho, Brazil
Perhaps the most surprising name on this particular list is Fabinho, who must have thought his Brazil national team career was over after leaving Liverpool in 2023.
But though it had looked that way for a while, the 32-year-old has come roaring back to be selected by Carlo Ancelotti, despite being set to become a free agent in July.
Still not a regular starter, as he never really has been for Brazil, Fabinho has played 70 minutes across the group stage, and, along with Alisson Becker, will be hopeful of winning a sixth title for the Selecao.
How impressive has Yan Diomande been at the 2026 World Cup?!
Luis Diaz, Colombia
The definite underdog here, there is nevertheless a chance that Luis Diaz and Colombia could provide a shock and lift the World Cup.
Very good in qualifying, the South Americans have taken that form into the tournament, topping their group ahead of Portugal to set up a last-32 match against Ghana.
If they can then navigate through that, and then past Switzerland or Algeria in the last-16, which they really should, they will provide an awkward quarter-final opponent for Argentina.
Diaz has had the season of his life for Bayern Munich, and though he has scored only once in the group stage, he is a genuine match-winner who could drive them to the trophy.
Besides these five potential winners, there are three more former Reds who have made it through the group stage. They are at opposite ends of the scale in terms of Liverpool legacy, with Canada’s Liam Millar having played only once for the senior team, while Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are all-time legends of the club.
Both Senegal and Egypt have plausible routes through to the last-16, but it would be a huge shock if either of the African giants get close to winning the thing.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
