The 2026 World Cup is not only showcasing the world's best footballers - it is also creating some unique family rivalries, with several sets of brothers representing different nations on football’s biggest stage.
Among the most intriguing stories are Paris Saint-Germain star Désiré Doué and Strasbourg defender Guéla Doué.
Born in France to a French mother and Ivorian father, the brothers have chosen different international paths, with Désiré representing France and Guéla playing for Ivory Coast.
Despite their close relationship, there is a chance the siblings could meet in the knockout rounds if both teams finish second in their respective groups.
“We tell each other everything and have no secrets,” said 21-year-old Désiré.
“He’s a massive support in my daily life.”
The brothers recently found themselves on opposite sides during a pre-World Cup friendly, where Ivory Coast defeated France 2-1.
Guéla sang both national anthems before the match, while Désiré remained on the bench.
“It’s a shame I didn’t get to play against him,” Guéla admitted afterwards. “
But I’m happy, and he’s not too disappointed.”
If they do meet later in the tournament, they would join a very exclusive list.
The only previous World Cup sibling showdown came when Germany’s Jérôme Boateng faced Ghana’s Kevin-Prince Boateng in both 2010 and 2014.
The Doué brothers are not alone.
Athletic Bilbao teammates Iñaki and Nico Williams are representing different countries, with younger brother Nico starring for Spain while Iñaki lines up for Ghana.
Another sibling split comes from Scotland and Australia.
Aberdeen-born defender Harry Souttar represents the Socceroos, while older brother John Souttar is part of Scotland’s squad.
Harry previously featured for Scotland at youth level before switching allegiance to Australia through his mother’s heritage.
Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen is also sharing the World Cup spotlight with his half-brother Brian Brobbey, who is part of the Netherlands squad.
The pair share the same mother but play for different nations.
While some families are divided by national teams, others are enjoying the rare experience of playing alongside one another.
Cape Verde brothers Laros and Deroy Duarte featured together in their nation’s historic goalless draw against Spain, one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.
“We saw our parents cry,” Laros said after the match.
“It’s difficult to describe. It’s something you dream about.”
Curaçao’s squad also includes brothers Leandro and Juninho Bacuna, who helped their nation become the smallest country by population and size ever to compete at a World Cup.
“It’s something we always wished for,” said Juninho.
“As kids, we dreamed of playing together on the same team.”
France, meanwhile, have called up brothers Lucas and Theo Hernandez.
The pair have become key figures for Les Bleus and continue a family connection that has strengthened the national team setup.
“They have a special bond,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.
“It doesn’t change anything from a football perspective, but they share a connection that is unique.”
As the World Cup progresses, family pride could become just as important as national pride, with several brothers hoping to make history - whether alongside each other or against one another.
