The 2026 World Cup will see eight sets of brothers competing, but they aren't all representing the same nation as their siblings.
This year's 48-team tournament is the biggest in the competition's history, meaning even more countries are given the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage. That also means the number of players showcased in the United States, Canada and Mexico has increased massively.
However, it's still a surprise to see as many as eight sets of siblings make it to world football's biggest competition. It's even more mind-blowing to learn that four of them play for a different country to their brothers.
2026 World Cup Brothers on the Same Side
Lucas and Theo Hernandez
Some of the more famous brother duos to play at World Cup finals include the Ayews (Jordan and Andre) and the Hazards (Eden and Thorgan). The former both participated for Ghana, while the latter pair appeared as Belgium players.
Following that trend are Arsenal's Jurrien Timber and his brother, Quinten. The versatile duo are both part of Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad. They'll be delighted to hear they've even been predicted to win the whole competition.
Lucas and Theo Hernandez are in the unique position that they are actually competing with each other for the same position in France's starting XI. The defenders are both left-footed and will hope to be the left-back for Didier Deschamps this summer.
Elsewhere, Laros Duarte and Deroy Duarte are both heading to the competition as Cape Verde make their first-ever World Cup appearance. Likewise, Leandro and Juninho Bacuna are playing for Curacao, with the latter captaining his country.
Brothers Playing For the Same Nations (2026 World Cup)
Players
Jurrien and Quinten Timber
Lucas and Theo Hernandez
Laros and Deroy Duarte
Leandro and Juninho Bacuna
Siblings Competing Against Each Other
Inaki Williams and Nico Williams
The most high-profile set of relatives on opposing sides this summer are the Williams brothers. Nico was a key part of Spain's Euro 2024 success and is part of Luis de la Fuente's squad once again. His older brother, meanwhile, will face England as part of Ghana's hopeful unit.
Desire Doue got firsthand experience of what could happen if his France side come up against Ivory Coast and his sibling, Guela, this summer. In a pre-tournament friendly, the Strasbourg full-back scored and registered an assist as the Africans defeated Les Bleus.
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey was called up to the Netherlands squad after an impressive debut season in England. His brother, Derrick Luckassen, is a centre-back for Ghana.
The Souttars are heading to the competition. Both are central defenders and are expected to have starting roles for their respective nations. Harry will represent Australia, while John plays for Steven Clarke's Scotland.
Brothers Playing For Different Nations (2026 World Cup)
Player
Inaki Williams
Nico Williams
Desire Doue
Guela Doue
Brian Brobbey
Derrick Luckassen Brobbey
Harry Souttar
John Souttar