Liverpool begin the U.S. leg of their 2026 preseason schedule with a friendly against Sunderland, offering an early test as preparations get underway. The match serves as Liverpool’s first stop on their American tour and gives fans a first glimpse of the side in summer action.
The buildup is focused on a squad that appears to be far from full strength, with preseason often shaped by players returning at different times after major international tournaments and summer breaks. That makes this kind of fixture especially useful for assessing fitness, giving minutes to available players, and starting to build rhythm before the competitive season.
Attention around the game also centers on the usual preseason talking points: projected lineups, which younger players could be involved, and how the coaching staff balance experimentation with the need for structure. Against Sunderland, Liverpool should get a useful workout rather than a result that carries much weight on its own.
For supporters, the fixture is also one of the first chances to follow Liverpool’s preseason coverage in full, with interest high around team news and viewing details. As the U.S. tour begins, the Sunderland match marks the start of a wider summer program designed to sharpen the team ahead of the new campaign.
