Written By | Alex Mbamanya
This world cup will feature different brothers playing against or together
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11, in the three host countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This global football showpiece — the 23rd edition — comes with a unique aspect that sets it apart from past events. It is the first edition of the expanded tournament, with 48 teams competing across a record 104 matches.
The event has also become a centre of controversy, from hiked ticket prices to the denial of entry and repatriation of fans, match officials, and journalists. The United States has played a central role in denying some people entry to the event.
However, despite all that has happened, the football fans lucky enough to attend the tournament will be treated to another unique aspect: brothers playing alongside each other — and against each other.
Brothers Playing Together
The Hernández Brothers (France)
Lucas and Théo Hernández will feature in defence for France, continuing their sibling partnership on the international stage for the third time at a FIFA World Cup.
Théo, a left-back, now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal after moving from Italian giants AC Milan. His brother Lucas, also a left-back, features for European and French champions Paris Saint-Germain, having signed from Bayern Munich.
The Timber Twins (Netherlands)
The Netherlands' twin brothers Quinten and Jurriën Timber will feature for the Oranje squad for the second time.
Quinten, who plays for French club Marseille, will command the Dutch midfield, while his twin brother Jurriën will add defensive depth for a side eliminated at the quarter-final stage in Qatar 2022.
Cape Verde's Duarte Brothers
Cape Verde — the African representatives who eliminated perennial travellers Cameroon — are playing at their maiden World Cup. They bring brothers Laros and Deroy Duarte, both midfielders.
Laros plays for Hungarian club Puskás Akadémia, while Deroy features for Bulgarian First League club Ludogorets Razgrad. Both were born in the Netherlands..png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
Curaçao's Bacuna Brothers
Curaçao — the smallest country ever to play at a FIFA World Cup, with a population of just 158,006 — will also make their maiden appearance. Veterans Leandro Bacuna and his brother Juninho Bacuna will solidify the island nation's midfield core.
Brothers Playing Against Each Other
The event will also see brothers playing for different national teams, making their potential meetings a much-anticipated happening.
Even if these duos are not drawn against each other in the group stages, the unlikely could still happen as their countries meet later in the tournament.
The Williams Brothers
Ghana — drawn against Croatia, England, and Panama in Group L — will have Iñaki Williams as their striker, while his younger brother Nico will feature for Spain. Spain is drawn in Group H against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
Inaki and Nico Williams
The Doué Brothers
Desire and Guela Doué will feature for France and Ivory Coast, respectively.
Desire (21) is a familiar figure to fans, especially for his role in leading PSG to their second consecutive Champions League title a few weeks ago. Guela is less well known.
The 23-year-old Guela Doué features as a right-back for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, while his younger brother Désiré Doué is a winger at PSG.
France is in Group I against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Ivory Coast is in Group E against Germany, Curaçao, and Ecuador.
Doué Brothers
The Souttar Brothers
Scotland and Australia present the last of the opposing siblings: John Souttar and Harry Souttar.
John Souttar will feature for Scotland, while his brother Harry will represent the Australian Socceroos.
John (29) plays for Scottish Premiership club Rangers, while his younger brother Harry (27) features as a centre-back for EFL Championship club Leicester City.
Souttar Brothers
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