Liverpool's star goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, has revealed he intentionally missed club matches to ensure he was fully prepared for the upcoming World Cup 2026.
The Brazilian international, a key player for both Liverpool and his national team, stated that sitting out games for his club was "part of the plan" to prioritize his World Cup ambitions. Despite the Reds having capable backup options like Giorgi Mamardashvili, Alisson's comments suggest a deliberate strategy to focus on his national team's campaign.
Speaking to Estadao, Alisson clarified his fitness, asserting, "I’m 100%. Missing games for Liverpool was part of the plan to make sure I was ready for the World Cup." This admission, as quoted by Sport Witness, implies he was not sidelined by injury but rather by choice to be match-fit for the tournament.
Alisson expressed his immense determination for the World Cup, viewing it as a potentially final opportunity. "My focus is on this World Cup. I will face it as if it were the last opportunity," he stated. He also highlighted the honor of participating in his third World Cup and his ambition to be among the champions.
"I feel honoured to reach this mark of goalkeepers who were in three World Cups," Alisson added. "I want to enter the other group. I want to be among the World Cup champions. With the other 25 called-up players. That is my focus and the most important thing at the moment."
