WC Countdown: Brothers in opposite arms - same parents, different national teams

Life can be strange, even bizarre sometimes. And it especially comes to our attention when we bump into cases where brothers of the same parents represent different countries. And, believe it or not, there will be three families divided during this World Cup, not by family but by national borders.

What makes these three stories so fascinating is that all of those guys grew up kicking the same ball in the same gardens and training grounds. Yet when the World Cup begins, they will walk onto the pitch carrying different flags on their shoulders.

Let us present you with the Williams brothers, the Souttar brothers and the Doue brothers...

INAKI (Ghana) and NICO WILLIAMS (Spain)

The most famous of brothers in different arms are definitely the Williams siblings. Both forwards came through Athletic Club's academy, as their parents emigrated from Ghana to Spain under extremely difficult circumstances. The elder brother, Inaki, 31, initially represented Spain but later chose to play for Ghana in 2022 ahead of the previous World Cup, embracing his parents' heritage.

'Africa is not just poverty, it is a continent with many great things to offer'

His younger brother and Bilbao teammate, Nico, 23, remained with Spain and has since become one of the country's biggest stars. He was one of the key players of the EURO 2024 La Roja winning side, alongside Lamine Yamal. So far, he has scored six goals in 30 appearances for one of the top favourites to win the World Cup.

Incredible: Inaki Williams played with a piece of glass in his foot for two years!

Their decision wasn't born out of conflict but mutual respect. Both have spoken publicly about supporting one another regardless of which shirt they wear. At this World Cup, they arrive as key figures for their respective nations.

Spain gave him everything, but he is African: Inaki Williams is officially a Black Star

JOHN (Scotland) and HARRY SOUTTAR (Australia)

The Souttar brothers, probably the least unknown on the list, were both born and raised in Scotland, but their international careers took different paths. The 29-year-old John has been one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Scottish top flight for more than a decade (Dundee United, Hearts, Glasgow Rangers). He committed himself to Scotland and became a regular presence in the national team's defence.

On the other hand, his younger brother Harry, 27, also a defender, was also part of Scotland's youth setup before opting to represent Australia through his mother's family connections. Their mother, Heather, was born in Port Hedland, Western Australia, which meant the Souttar brothers were eligible to represent either Australia or Scotland at the international level.

The decision proved transformative, as Harry became one of the Socceroos' most important players, helping Australia reach major tournaments and establishing himself as one of the tallest centre-backs in international football at 1.98m.

DESIRE (France) and GUELA DOUE (Ivory Coast)

Last but not least, here comes one of the tournament's most intriguing family stories. Unlike the Williams brothers, whose choices attracted enormous media attention, the Doues' international split happened more quietly. Younger and renowned brother, Desire, represents France after making a massive breakthrough with Paris Saint-Germain. Just like his older brother, he emerged at the Rennes football academy, and a blend of flair, creativity, and fearlessness has made him one of the breakout stars heading into the tournament.

Desire fulfilled: Doue wins Golden Boy award

However, older brother Guela decided to represent Ivory Coast, the homeland of their parents, and has established himself as a reliable defender for the Elephants. The 23-year-old Strasbourg right-back has made 19 official appearances for his homeland since his debut in 2024, while Desire, who celebrated his 21st birthday just yesterday, has played six times for Les Bleus.

Many eyes will be on Doues, as both are expected to make a serious impact in the 2026 World Cup.

Interestingly, there will be some more brothers in Mexico, the United States and Canada in the next few weeks, but they will - unlike the aforementioned - represent the same countries. This is the case with Theo and Lucas Hernandez (France) and Jurrien and Quinten Timber (The Netherlands).

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

First round

Thursday, 11.06.

22.00: (1.50) Mexico (4.00) S.Africa (7.25)

Friday, 12. 06.

05.00: (2.70) S.Korea (3.10) Czech R. (2.75)

22.00: (1.85) Canada (3.70) B&H (4.25)

Saturday, 13.06.

04.00: (2.05) USA (3.35) Paraguay (3.80)

22.00: (12.0) Qatar (5.40) Switzerland (1.28)

Sunday, 14.06.

01.00: (1.62) Brazil (3.80) Morocco (5.80)

04.00: (6.80) Haiti (4.45) Scotland (1.47)

07.00: (4.50) Australia (3.50) Turkey (1.83)

20.00: (1.03) Germany (15.0) Curacao (50.0)

02.00: (2.10) Netherlands (3.45) Japan (3.50)

***odds are subject to change***