The Black Cats will test themselves against Liverpool in the United States as part of their pre-season schedule, travelling to GEODIS Park in Nashville on 25 July. The fixture is scheduled for a late kick-off in the UK, starting at 23:00 BST, reflecting the transatlantic timing of the friendly.
Match context and recent form
Sunderland arrive in America on the back of an eye-catching display against York City, where manager Régis Le Bris’ side showed the kind of quick, free-flowing football the coaching team will want to see more of ahead of the domestic season. The match in Tennessee therefore offers another opportunity to test tactics and personnel against top-level opposition.
One player who will be fresh in supporters’ minds is Moroccan midfielder Chemsdine Talbi, who scored Sunderland’s opening goal in the Premier League meeting at Anfield on 3 December 2025. Such contributions will be watched closely as Le Bris assesses his options for the coming campaign.
Who Liverpool are taking and what it means
Liverpool have confirmed a travelling party that omits their World Cup stars to allow for rest. The squad travelling to the United States mixes first-team names with fringe and academy prospects, a blend that should still provide a stern examination for the Black Cats.
- Senior players in the travelling group include Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitiké, Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.
- Promising youngsters such as Rio Ngumoha are also part of the party.
- New additions named for the tour include Jérémy Jacquet and World Cup winner Victor Muñoz, along with Stefan Bajčetić.
Those selections suggest Liverpool will still field a competitive side, even if not at full strength. Tactically, the Reds are expected to build from a flexible base—commonly a 4-2-3-1 that can shift into variations such as 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2—using width, overlapping full-backs and midfield runners to create chances.
Practical details for supporters
Supporters following the game from the UK should be aware of the late kick-off time caused by the time difference. The fixture is one of several played by European clubs across North America during the summer schedule, and it follows the pattern of high-profile friendlies staged as part of clubs’ preseason preparations.
| Fixture | Date | Kick-off (BST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland v Liverpool | 25 July | 23:00 | GEODIS Park, Nashville |
For Sunderland, the match offers a chance to measure progress, rotate the squad and give minutes to players pushing for places. For manager Régis Le Bris, it is another step in preparing a side capable of competing domestically; for supporters, it is an opportunity to see familiar names and emerging talents tested against elite opposition.
Coverage of the game and assessments of player performances will be important for supporters tracking fitness and form ahead of the new season. With European and domestic fixtures approaching, these tour matches increasingly carry tactical significance beyond mere conditioning.
