New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just four days away, it is only right to take another peek into the tournament’s rich history before proceedings begin with the campaign opener between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City.
Four sets of brothers have made their names immortalised on the World Cup scoresheet.
The first of those brothers appeared for West Germany in the 1954 edition of the tournament, Ottmar Walter (four goals) and Fritz Walter (three goals) scoring in their side’s first-ever triumph, as per FIFA’s official website. Both scored two goals each in a 6-1 win over Austria in Basel.
The other pair was Willy and Rene van de Kerkhof, who were a part of the Netherlands’ 1974 and 1978 squads, who made it to the finals, and scored a goal each in the 1978 edition of the tournament.
Socrates and Rai were the third pair of siblings, with both of them scoring on their World Cup debut. In a massive coincidence, both netted their goals as Brazil skippers, in the second half through penalties, with wins against the same team (Soviet Union and Russia), in 1982 and 1994, respectively.
The last brothers to find the net in the World Cup were Michael and Brian Laudrup. Michael got a goal in 1986 and 1988, while Brian got two goals.
The Walters and England’s 1966 heroes Jack and Bobby Charlton are the only brothers to have lifted the trophy. (ANI)
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