Brothers Set to Play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The search for new opportunities has led many families to build their lives far from their ancestral roots. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will showcase several of those stories
The search for new opportunities has led many families to build their lives far from their ancestral roots. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will showcase several of those stories, with multiple pairs of brothers set to take part in the tournament, either representing the same nation or competing under different flags.
Iñaki and Nico Williams: Ghana and Spain
Iñaki and Nico Williams grew up together in Spain and shared the field at Athletic Club, but their international careers took different paths.
While Nico will represent Spain at the World Cup, Iñaki chose to play for Ghana, the homeland of their parents, Félix Williams and María Arthuer.
Désiré and Guéla Doué: Divided Between France and Ivory Coast
A similar story can be found in the Doué family.
Désiré and Guéla grew up in a family of Ivorian heritage that settled in France and both began their football journeys at Stade Rennais.
Their careers eventually went in different directions. Désiré became one of PSG's brightest stars and represents France, while Guéla chose to play for Ivory Coast.
In a remarkable twist, Guéla recently scored against France in an international friendly while his brother was part of the French squad.
Lucas and Theo Hernández: Together for France
Not every story involves brothers representing different countries.
Lucas and Theo Hernández will once again share a World Cup experience with France.
Lucas already knows what it feels like to lift the trophy after winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, while Theo has established himself as one of the world's top left-backs.
Derrick Luckassen and Brian Brobbey: Netherlands and Ghana
Derrick Luckassen and Brian Brobbey were both born in the Netherlands and progressed through parts of the Dutch youth system.
However, their international careers took different directions.
Brobbey earned a place with the Dutch national team, while Luckassen ultimately chose to represent Ghana and will be part of the Black Stars' World Cup campaign.
John and Harry Souttar: Scotland and Australia
The Souttar brothers were born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and both developed careers as defenders.
Family heritage played a major role in their international decisions.
John chose Scotland, while Harry committed to Australia and already represented the Socceroos at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Laros and Deroy Duarte: Cape Verde's Dutch Connection
Laros and Deroy Duarte spent most of their football development in the Netherlands.
After sharing experiences in club football and youth national teams, both opted to represent Cape Verde.
They will now try to make history with a nation that relies heavily on players developed in Dutch football.
Quinten and Jurriën Timber: The Dutch Twins
Quinten and Jurriën Timber emerged from Ajax's renowned academy.
Although they began their careers together, they eventually followed different club paths.
Jurriën became a key player for Arsenal, while Quinten continued his development elsewhere in European football.
The Timber brothers follow in the footsteps of famous Dutch sibling duos such as Ronald and Frank de Boer, as well as René and Willy van de Kerkhof.
Juninho and Leandro Bacuna: Curaçao's World Cup Dream
Juninho and Leandro Bacuna were born in Groningen, Netherlands, to a family with roots in Curaçao.
Both played important roles in helping Curaçao qualify for its first-ever FIFA World Cup.
Now they will have the opportunity to represent the Caribbean nation on football's biggest stage.
Family Stories That Enrich the World Cup
Beyond the results and trophies, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be filled with stories of family, migration, identity and shared dreams.
Some brothers will play together, some will be opponents, and others will represent different nations, but all of them will share the unique experience of competing at a World Cup.
