A look at brothers to have scored in FIFA World Cup
New Delhi, June 7
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
Reader Comments
Lovely piece! The Charlton brothers lifting the trophy in 1966 is legendary. But I wonder why no article mentions Indian siblings in football history? We have the Chhetris and others who've done well at Asian level. Anyway, hoping for an exciting World Cup ahead! 🏆⚽
Nice read, but I think the article missed the Boateng brothers (Jerome and Kevin-Prince) who faced each other in 2010! Not exactly scoring together, but still a unique sibling story. Also, the Laudrup brothers were just class. We need more football awareness in India - these stories inspire the next generation.
Wonderful trip down memory lane! The Walters scoring two each in that 6-1 win is legendary. Growing up in India, I didn't get to see these matches live, but such stories connect us to football's rich history. Hoping one day we'll see Indian brothers on that list too! 🙏⚽
Nice trivia, but I'm surprised Bobby Charlton isn't mentioned more prominently - he's arguably the greatest English player ever! Also, the van de Kerkhof twins were ahead of their time. As an Indian who follows world football, these sibling duos show how talent runs in families. Can't wait for the 2026 tournament! 🔥
Great article! But it missed the De Boer brothers (Ronald and Frank) who also played in multiple World Cups. And how about the Koeman brothers? Anyway, as an Indian, I find these stories fascinating - they show football's ability to unite families
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