Liverpool Football Club has multiple teams in action this Sunday, April 26, 2026. While the men’s first team secured a vital victory yesterday and does not take to the pitch today, the club's future stars and the women's first team are both involved in high-stakes fixtures.

For fans looking for live football today, the focus shifts to the Kirkby Academy for the Premier League 2 play-offs and St Helens Stadium for the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL).

Liverpool Match Schedule for Sunday, April 26, 2026

There are two primary competitive matches involving Liverpool FC today. Here is the breakdown of the schedule:

Team Opponent Competition Kick-off Time (BST) Venue
Liverpool U21s Crystal Palace U21s Premier League 2 Play-offs 2:00 PM Kirkby Academy
Liverpool Women West Ham United Barclays WSL 9:00 PM St Helens Stadium

Liverpool U21s vs. Crystal Palace U21s: A Crucial Play-off Clash

The first match of the day begins at 2:00 PM BST at the Kirkby Academy. This is not just a regular-season game; it is a pivotal moment in the Premier League 2 play-offs. The young Reds, managed by the academy coaching staff, have shown remarkable consistency this season.

Facing Crystal Palace at the youth level is always a challenge, as the London club has invested heavily in their Category One academy. However, Liverpool’s U21 side has benefited from the integration of several players who have already tasted first-team football under Arne Slot. Fans can expect a high-intensity match where tactical discipline and individual flair will determine who progresses in the play-off bracket.

Liverpool Women vs. West Ham United: Chasing a Strong Finish in the WSL

Later this evening, at 9:00 PM BST, Liverpool Women will host West Ham United at St Helens Stadium. The atmosphere at St Helens has become a fortress for the team this season. Under their current management, the squad has evolved into a tactically flexible unit capable of competing with the best in the league.

With the season nearing its conclusion, every point is vital. The squad is reported to be in high spirits, despite the recent injury update regarding Martha Thomas, who is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a foot injury. The availability of Alejandra Bernabe and the form of the defensive unit will be key to neutralizing West Ham’s counter-attacking threat.

Recap: Men’s First Team Victory Against Crystal Palace

The men’s senior squad is not playing today because they successfully completed their mission yesterday, Saturday, April 25. In a late-season encounter that had massive implications for the top-four race, Liverpool defeated Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield.

Match Highlights and Goal Scorers

The victory was a testament to the squad depth and the tactical evolution under Arne Slot. Despite some late-season fatigue, the Reds displayed clinical finishing when it mattered most.

  • Alexander Isak: The Swedish forward continued his impressive run of form, opening the scoring with a clinical finish inside the box. Isak’s movement between the lines has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s attacking play since his arrival.
  • Andy Robertson: The veteran left-back proved he still has the offensive drive, surging forward to double the lead with a powerful strike that left the Palace goalkeeper with no chance.
  • Florian Wirtz: The German playmaker, who has become the creative heartbeat of the midfield, sealed the victory with a late goal, ensuring all three points stayed on Merseyside.

Impact on the Premier League Table

This 3-1 win moved Liverpool into fourth place in the Premier League standings. With only a few games remaining in the 2025/26 season, securing a Champions League qualification spot is the primary objective. The result puts immense pressure on rivals who are also vying for that elusive top-four finish.

Arne Slot praised the team’s resilience in his post-match press conference, stating, "We kept on fighting until the end." This mentality has been crucial in a season where several key players, including Mohamed Salah, have dealt with minor injury scares. Salah was forced from the field during the second half of yesterday's game, and while Slot provided an update suggesting it was precautionary, his fitness will be monitored closely in the coming days.

The State of the Liverpool Squad in Late April 2026

As we head into the final weeks of the season, the health and form of the squad are the talking points among the Anfield faithful. The 2025/26 campaign has seen the emergence of new stars and the continued dominance of established icons.

Top Performers and Statistics

Looking at the season stats, it is clear why Liverpool remains in the hunt for major silverware.

  1. Hugo Ekitike: The forward has been a revelation, leading the scoring charts with 17 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions. His physicality and hold-up play have allowed the likes of Wirtz and Szoboszlai to flourish.
  2. Mohamed Salah: Even as he adapts his game, Salah remains indispensable. With 12 goals and 9 assists in 39 appearances, his creative output is as high as ever.
  3. Dominik Szoboszlai: Retaining his "Player of the Month" award, the Hungarian midfielder has contributed 12 goals and 9 assists. His work rate in the middle of the park is essential for the high-press system.
  4. Florian Wirtz: With 8 assists and 7 goals, Wirtz has transitioned seamlessly into the Premier League, providing the "X-factor" in tight matches.

The Defensive Foundation

While the attackers grab the headlines, the defensive contributions of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate cannot be overlooked. The integration of Freddie Woodman in goal has also been a success. Woodman was voted the "Carlsberg Player of the Match" in yesterday's win over Crystal Palace, making several world-class saves to keep the opposition at bay before the Reds pulled away.

Looking Ahead: Remaining Fixtures for the 2025/26 Season

The men’s first team will have a short recovery period before their next set of challenges. The schedule remains demanding, as the club looks to finalize their position in the top four and potentially challenge for a higher podium finish.

  • Liverpool vs. Chelsea: A high-stakes clash that often decides the momentum of the final weeks.
  • Liverpool vs. Arsenal: A tactical battle against one of the league's most consistent sides.
  • Liverpool vs. Brighton & Hove Albion: A tricky away fixture against a team known for their possession-based style.

The goal remains clear: return to the pinnacle of European football. The victory yesterday was "a big step," according to Andy Robertson, but the job is far from over.

How to Watch Liverpool Games Today

For fans who want to follow the U21s and the Women's team today, there are several ways to stay connected.

Watching the U21s in the PL2 Play-offs

The match against Crystal Palace U21s will be broadcast live on the club's "All Red Video" service. This platform provides exclusive access to academy games, allowing fans to see the next generation of talent before they break into the first team. Coverage typically begins 15 minutes before the 2:00 PM kick-off.

Following Liverpool Women in the WSL

The 9:00 PM BST kick-off against West Ham United will be available through various sports broadcasting partners. Fans are encouraged to check their local listings for the WSL broadcast. Additionally, the club's official social media channels provide minute-by-minute updates and behind-the-scenes content from St Helens Stadium.

Why the Academy Success Matters

The fact that the U21s are in the play-offs today is a testament to the long-term vision of Liverpool FC. The Kirkby Academy has been instrumental in producing players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones. In the current 2025/26 squad, several homegrown players are making significant contributions.

The U21 manager has emphasized the importance of these play-off matches as a "bridge" to senior football. The pressure of a knockout environment prepares young athletes for the expectations of playing at Anfield. With players like Rio Ngumoha and other young prospects knocking on the door, today's game is a vital scouting opportunity for Arne Slot and his coaching staff.

The Evolution of the Women’s Team

The 9:00 PM game today highlights the massive strides taken by the women’s section of the club. Moving to St Helens Stadium has provided a dedicated home that allows the team to grow its fanbase. Alejandra Bernabe mentioned in a recent interview that the squad is in a "good place" and wants to make it an "exciting end to the season."

The tactical setup of the women's team has mirrored some aspects of the men's side, focusing on high energy and quick transitions. Despite the injury to Martha Thomas, the squad depth in 2026 is significantly better than in previous years, allowing them to remain competitive in a league that is becoming increasingly professional and demanding.

What is the Premier League 2 Play-off Format?

For those unfamiliar with the current youth league structure, the Premier League 2 (PL2) utilizes a play-off system to determine the ultimate champion. After the regular season concludes, the top-ranked teams enter a knockout bracket.

Today's match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace is part of this high-pressure series. A win today would propel the young Reds further into the tournament, bringing them closer to a prestigious youth title. This format is designed to give young players a taste of "must-win" football, mirroring the intensity of the Champions League or domestic cup finals.

Summary of Today's Liverpool Action

To recap the "Liverpool games today" query:

  • Men’s First Team: No game today. They defeated Crystal Palace 3-1 yesterday (April 25).
  • Liverpool U21s: Playing Crystal Palace U21s at 2:00 PM BST at the Kirkby Academy (PL2 Play-offs).
  • Liverpool Women: Playing West Ham United at 9:00 PM BST at St Helens Stadium (WSL).

The club is currently in a strong position across all levels. The men's senior team is firmly in the top four, the youth team is chasing play-off glory, and the women's team is looking to finish the WSL season on a high note.

Conclusion

Sunday, April 26, 2026, is a day for the future and the community at Liverpool FC. While the headlines often focus on the senior men's squad and their tactical triumphs under Arne Slot, today is about the depth of the club. From the tactical battle at the Kirkby Academy to the evening showdown at St Helens Stadium, there is plenty for Liverpool fans to be excited about.

The 3-1 victory yesterday has provided a sense of security for the first team, allowing the spotlight to shine on the U21s and the Women's team today. As the season enters its final stretch, the "You'll Never Walk Alone" spirit is evident across all age groups and divisions.

FAQ

Is the Liverpool men's first team playing today?

No, the men's first team played yesterday, April 25, 2026, defeating Crystal Palace 3-1. They do not have a fixture scheduled for today, April 26.

What time do the Liverpool U21s play today?

The Liverpool U21s face Crystal Palace U21s at 2:00 PM BST at the Kirkby Academy in the Premier League 2 play-offs.

Where can I watch the Liverpool Women's game tonight?

Liverpool Women vs. West Ham United kicks off at 9:00 PM BST at St Helens Stadium. It is part of the Barclays WSL and will be broadcast via the league's official TV partners.

Who scored for Liverpool in their last game?

In the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on April 25, the goals were scored by Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson, and Florian Wirtz.

What is Liverpool's current position in the Premier League?

As of April 26, 2026, Liverpool is in fourth place in the Premier League table following their recent victory.

Is Mohamed Salah injured?

Mohamed Salah was substituted during the second half of the game against Crystal Palace. Manager Arne Slot indicated it was a minor issue, but his fitness is being monitored.