Andoni Iraola secured a 4-2 victory against Sunderland in Nashville on July 25, 2026, during his first match as Liverpool head coach. The preseason friendly featured goals from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas, though an early injury to defender Joe Gomez clouded the win.
GEODIS Park Summer Tour Match Details
Liverpool kicked off their summer tour of the United States with a high-scoring win at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, giving supporters their first look at the team under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Iraola replaced Arne Slot at Anfield in June. ET in Nashville Tennessee. Liverpool had one win and one draw against its English Premier League opponent last season. Liverpool vs. Sunderland will air on ESPN Deportes, and streams on DIRECTV (free trial). Here’s what you need to know: What: Club Soccer Friendly Who: Liverpool vs. Sunderland When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 Time: 6 p.m. ET Where: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee TV: ESPN Deportes Live stream: DIRECTV (free trial), fuboTV (free trial), ESPN.
Goal-Scoring Outburst and Tactical Shifts in Nashville
The match in the Nashville heat brought plenty of action. Young midfielder Kieran Morrison opened the scoring after 13 minutes following a wonderful team move involving some impressive buildup from the likes of McConnell, Ngumoha and Elliott, who fed the midfielder in space on the right.
Sunderland thrived in the new Premier League landscape, climbing all the way up to seventh place at the end of a stunning season back in England’s top flight after eight years away under Régis Le Bris’s side, who opened up their preparations for a new campaign with a 5–1 rout of York City. Enzo Le Fee leveled before half-time with a stunning long-range strike, before Dominik Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa scored either side of Timur Tuterov’s goal before Lewis Koumas secured victory for the Reds.
The Basque, like his opposite number Regis le Bris, rung the changes after the first half, with Liverpool improving after the break to turn around a 2-1 deficit thanks to a characteristic Dominik Szoboszlai piledriver, followed by further strikes from fellow substitutes Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas. Goals in the match included Morrison 13′ (assist: Elliott), Szoboszlai 56′, Chiesa 72′ (assist: Ramsay), Koumas 85′ (assist: Szoboszlai), Le Fee 28′, and Tuterov 49′.
Joe Gomez Injury Concerns at Nashville SC Stadium
Early Injury Concern Overshadows Joe Gomez
Despite the encouraging attacking display, the fixture brought an immediate defensive setback. There was one negative for Iraola, who saw stand-in captain and long-serving defender Joe Gomez forced off early on with what looked a muscle issue in an area of the team where Liverpool really could do without any injuries heading into the new campaign. The key moments from Nashville SC Stadium noted at 8 minutes: INJURY! A big worry already for Liverpool with captain Gomez down with an injury and this does not look good for the centre back. Gomez appeared to suffer a muscle issue just eight minutes into the match.
Jeremy Jacquet Absence and Squad News
Jeremy Jacquet was missing as four teenagers started. The key piece of team news came in the form of Jeremy Jacquet‘s absence, as he wasn’t in the squad due to a reported ‘minor issue’ but is expected to resume team training in the US. Other star players that will be a part of the squad are Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Rio Ngumoha.
Supporter Reaction and Upcoming US Tour Fixtures
Liverpool supporters have shared their early thoughts on Andoni Iraola after watching the new head coach take charge of the Reds for the first time. Liverpool supporters have taken to social media to share their reaction to Iraola’s first match in charge, with many fans impressed by the early signs shown under the new head coach. It’s so beautiful watching Andoni Iraola football. I caught myself being interested in Bournemouth matches last season just because of his game play. Looking forward to seeing what the new season holds for him,
said one fan on X.