“Siblings on the field… rivals on the ground.” brothers create enthusiasm in the world championship.

The 14 players from the various teams participating in the 2026 World Cup are set for a unique experience as they play alongside or against their brothers in the tournament, which kicks off on Thursday in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

4 pairs of brothers will wear the shirt of one national team, while the national flags will be shared between 3 other pairs, in a rare sight that adds even more excitement to the World Cup.

Hernandez and Duay… brothers in one shirt!

Brothers Lucas and Theo Hernandez head the list of brothers who will play together, as they will wear the shirt of the French national team under the leadership of Didier Deschamps in the ninth group.

Despite their different defensive positions, the Paris Saint-Germain man and Saudi Al Hilal star could feature together against Senegal, Norway or Iraq.

The Douai brothers also feature in the France squad as Desiree (Paris Saint-Germain) represents the Roosters and his brother Joila (Strasbourg) has chosen to represent Cote d’Ivoire in a possible clash that could bring them together during the tournament.

Timber and Bacuna…Dutch duos

Brothers Quentin (Olympic Marseille) and Joren Temper (Arsenal) were supposed to participate with the Dutch national team, but yesterday, Monday, the Arsenal player had to leave due to injuries sustained this season.

Dutch-born brothers Larus (Puskas Academy) and Dero Duarte (Luduguarts Razgrad) in Cape Verde’s national team will aim to lead the Blue Sharks in Group H.

Leandro (Ejder) and Juninho (Volendam) Bacuna will also play for Curaçao in Group E, which includes Germany and Ivory Coast.

Williams and Lucassen… a battle of the brothers

A potential showdown between Spain and Ghana could feature brothers Inaki and Neko Williams, who play together at Athletic Bilbao but have chosen to represent different teams.

One of them will represent Ghana and the other Spain, the 2024 European champions, in a competition that could generate a lot of excitement, especially since La Roja have all the ingredients to win the title.

Derek Lucassen (Paphos FC) will also play in Ghana without his brother Brian Proby (Sunderland), who will wear the shirt of the Dutch team.

An extra dose of excitement

These players, drenched in blood and draped in national flags, are expected to bring a heavy dose of excitement to the fans during the tournament, which continues till July 19 next.