World Cup 2026: John and Harry Souter – two brothers, two countries, one World Cup and how much grief bound them

Even after a period of unimaginable grief that still lingers, Harry – who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United – managed to find a sliver of relief from a sad time.

“When Aaron got sick, it brought me and John a lot closer, even after his death, of course,” he says.

“Not that me and John have ever been that close, but I live in England and he plays in Scotland, we haven’t really spoken much.”

Their bond is strengthened in the wake of tragedy.

Texts and calls now become more frequent, even if it’s just to “talk about random things.”

“It’s a good thing to come out of it, if you can say it’s a good thing, it’s brought me and John closer together,” Harry added.

Both brothers begin their World Cup schedule on Sunday, with Australia facing Turkey (05:00) before Scotland (02:00 BST) straight away to face Haiti.

“It’s great that we’re both here,” Harry said. “I know John missed the Euros a few years ago, which he was absolutely gutted about.

“I’m absolutely over the moon that he’s here. And it’s one that the whole family is proud of. For me, I’m proud of him, too.”