International Diary: Reds Find Rhythm on the Road as World Cup Qualifiers Heat Up

It’s been a strong few days for Liverpool’s internationals across the World Cup qualifying landscape, with several Reds enjoying positive results — and perhaps even rediscovering some much-needed confidence away from Anfield.

In Warsaw, the Netherlands came from behind to draw 1–1 with Poland, a result that takes them a significant step closer to securing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. It wasn’t a vintage Dutch performance — the hosts were on top for large spells — but Arne Slot will have been pleased to see his key men getting valuable minutes and holding their nerve in a high-pressure atmosphere. Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk both completed the full 90 minutes, the captain organising the backline with his usual composure, while Ryan Gravenberch — lively throughout — was replaced in the 89th minute after a disciplined midfield showing. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was solid, the kind of performance that can quietly rebuild momentum.

Further south, Alexis Mac Allister played 85 minutes in Argentina’s 2–0 victory over Angola in Luanda. Lionel Messi, inevitably, was the star of the night with a goal and an assist for Lautaro Martínez, but Mac Allister’s influence was again understated and assured. Operating at the base of midfield, he linked play neatly and maintained control in typically testing conditions. With Argentina already qualified for next summer’s finals, the Liverpool man continues to strengthen his claim as one of Lionel Scaloni’s most reliable lieutenants.

In Luxembourg, Florian Wirtz played a full match as Germany eased to a 2–0 win, courtesy of a brace from Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade. The victory sets up a decisive clash with Slovakia on Monday — a winner-takes-all meeting for top spot in the group and automatic qualification. Wirtz, who has shown flashes of brilliance amid a mixed start to life on Merseyside, looked sharp throughout, operating between the lines and linking Germany’s attacks with intelligence and purpose. For Liverpool, it will be encouraging to see him growing in confidence on the international stage.

Elsewhere, Conor Bradley once again demonstrated his versatility for Northern Ireland, deployed in a central midfield role in their narrow and controversial 1–0 defeat to Slovakia. The decisive goal came in the 90th minute, with manager Michael O’Neill left furious after the match, insisting the winner “should clearly have been disallowed.” Still, Bradley’s all-action display caught the eye — disciplined in possession, industrious off the ball, and increasingly important to his national setup.

It was a night of mixed emotions, but collectively, Liverpool’s internationals will return to camp feeling more upbeat than they have in weeks. Across four countries, each of them contributed positively to their nations’ campaigns, finding rhythm, responsibility, and, crucially, minutes.

For Arne Slot, that could prove invaluable. His side’s domestic form has been patchy, but confidence — especially among key figures like Gakpo, Gravenberch, and Wirtz — might just be on the turn. International football can sometimes offer the perfect reset; this week, for Liverpool’s players, it seems to have done exactly that.