The biggest World Cup in history gets underway tonight, and Liverpool will have eight players scattered across the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.

Originally eleven Reds were called up for international duty this summer, but departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have trimmed that number. For new head coach Andoni Iraola, it's actually a blessing in disguise. More bodies staying at Merseyside means a fuller squad for his first pre-season in charge.

But what about those who did make the cut? Let's break down how Liverpool's representatives might fare across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Alexis Mac Allister carries the biggest burden of expectation. Argentina's World Cup defence relies heavily on the midfielder, who's expected to form the engine room alongside Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul. After a disappointing campaign at Anfield, Mac Allister needs this tournament. Whether he's fighting to reclaim his place in Liverpool's midfield or attract interest from elsewhere, the stage is set for redemption.

The reigning champions have drawn a relatively kind Group J, facing Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Top that group and they'll likely meet Uruguay in an all-South American clash. Win that, and the round of sixteen could pit them against any of the USA, Turkiye, Paraguay, Egypt or Iran. It's a potentially favourable path to the business end.

Argentina boast arguably a stronger squad than their Qatar triumph, but England, Brazil and Portugal lurk on their side of the draw. The defence of their crown won't be straightforward.

Alisson faces his own pressures with Brazil, probably his final World Cup appearance. The Selecao goalkeeper will start ahead of former Manchester City man Ederson, assuming his fitness holds up. Brazil arrive as a different proposition from recent disappointing campaigns, fielding a Premier League-heavy squad with defensive experience and frightening width.

Under Carlo Ancelotti, this Brazil side embraces a more direct approach whilst retaining their jogo bonito heritage. With Gabriel and Casemiro providing set-piece threat alongside midfield creators like Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, they're genuinely dangerous.

Group C presents Morocco as their main challengers, the semi-finalists from the last tournament, whilst Scotland make their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Should Brazil top the group, Alisson could face Liverpool teammates in the round of 32, with the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden competing in Group F. Progress beyond that round of sixteen could set up a quarter-final showdown with England.

Florian Wirtz carries Germany's hopes despite his disappointing debut season at Anfield. The midfielder remains Die Mannschaft's talisman, his cracking free kick against Northern Ireland helping secure qualification. With Germany lacking a prolific striker, Wirtz must provide the goal threat.

This isn't the 2014 vintage that demolished Brazil 7-1, but it's a solid squad mixing veterans like Manuel Neuer, Antonio Rudiger and Joshua Kimmich with potential breakout stars Nathaniel Brown, Aleksandar Pavolvic and Assan Ouedraogo.

From Liverpool's perspective, a strong tournament could inject much-needed confidence into Wirtz ahead of next season. Germany face Liverpool target Yan Diomande and Ivory Coast as their biggest Group E challengers, with Ecuador also fancying their chances of reaching just their second knockout stage.

Top that group and Germany face one of eight best third-placed teams in the round of 32, potentially smoothing their path deeper into the tournament. Though hot favourites France could await as early as the round of sixteen.

With the tournament kicking off tonight as Mexico host South Africa, Liverpool supporters have plenty to follow across the coming weeks. Eight players, multiple genuine contenders, and the promise of summer football that might just reshape how these Reds return to Merseyside.