Liverpool FC faced Sunderland AFC in an international club friendly at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday as both teams opened their pre-season schedules in the United States. The Liverpool versus Sunderland match presented an initial chance for both teams to enhance their match fitness before the 2026–27 season. However, it also held special importance for Liverpool.
The fixture represented the unofficial start of the Andoni Iraola era following the departure of former manager Arne Slot.
With several first-team stars unavailable because of post-World Cup rest periods and injuries, both managers turned to younger players and recent signings to impress in Liverpool vs Sunderland.
New Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet was expected to make his first appearance for the club, while Sunderland gave several fringe players another opportunity after beginning their pre-season with a convincing 5–1 win over York City.
Although the result carried no competitive value, Liverpool vs Sunderland offered valuable insight into tactical adjustments, squad depth, and individual performances before the Premier League season begins.
Liverpool vs Sunderland Team News and Squad Updates
The buildup to Liverpool vs Sunderland centered on heavily changed squads. Liverpool entered the match after a summer that saw the departures of long-serving players including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté. Injuries also ruled out Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, giving several younger players a chance to feature.
Sunderland also traveled to Nashville without a number of important players. Captain Granit Xhaka, Robin Roefs, Noah Sadiki, and Brian Brobbey remained unavailable as they continued their post-World Cup breaks. Head coach Régis Le Bris instead relied on emerging talent and squad players as preparations for the new campaign continued.
Full-Time Update
Liverpool opened their pre-season campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Sunderland at GEODIS Park after recovering from falling behind early in the second half.
Key Match Moments
1′ Early Pressure: Liverpool began on the front foot, winning two early corners and pinning Sunderland deep inside their own half.
9′ Injury – Liverpool: Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury and was replaced by academy defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
12′ Goal – Liverpool 1-0 Sunderland: Harvey Elliott played Kieran Morrison through on goal, and the youngster finished low into the bottom corner.
28′ Goal – Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland: Chris Rigg won possession before setting up Enzo Le Fée, who curled a superb long-range strike beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili.
35′ Sunderland Chance: Mamardashvili denied Romaine Mundle before James McConnell blocked Chris Rigg’s follow-up effort.
45′ Yellow Card: The referee issued the first booking after a late midfield challenge.
46′ Substitutions: Both teams made sweeping halftime changes, with Liverpool introducing Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Milos Kerkez.
49′ Goal – Sunderland 2-1 Liverpool: Timur Tutierov beat the offside trap and finished from close range after Tom Proctor’s pass.
56′ Goal – Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland: Szoboszlai controlled a loose ball from a corner before firing a brilliant half-volley into the net.
60′-70′ Chances: Kerkez headed wide from Jeremie Frimpong’s cross before another Liverpool attack was halted for offside.
72′ Goal – Liverpool 3-2 Sunderland: Calvin Ramsay assisted Federico Chiesa, who made a well-timed run and finished from close range.
80′ Sunderland Pressure: Sunderland won consecutive corners, but Liverpool defended both successfully.
85′ Goal – Liverpool 4-2 Sunderland: Szoboszlai provided the assist for Lewis Koumas, who calmly finished to seal Liverpool’s victory.
Liverpool vs Sunderland Match Results Today: Club Friendly Live Score, Updates, Stats