Australian international Harry Souttar has made the cut for this years World Cup. He has had limited time to prepare and was back in the Leicester first team frame for the latter games this season. Unfortunatly not available in a crucial period of struggles, so he could not help Leicester avoid relegation.
The fact that he has been selected and now is back in full action for Australia, must be a fantastic feeling. He was back in the national team for the friendly vs. Mexico (0-1) on the 31st of May.
So why is Harry Souttar an Extraordinare Exclusive among World Cup footballers? He will be in this tournament with his brother, but not playing for the same nation. His brother John Souttar, represents Scotland. They are the two first with the same mother and father to participate in a World Cup tournament of different nations.
They are the first two in this category to play in a World Cup. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jerome Boateing are half-brothers, and earlier played each other in a World Cup. They are to date also seen as the only two brothers to have plyed each other in the World Cup tournament.
In the past you have a few more siblings, who have represented different nations in football. Rafinha (Brazil) and Thiago Alcantara (Spain). Granit Xhaka (Switzerland) and Taulan Xhaka (Albania). Veton Berisha (Norway) and Valon Berisha (Kosovo). Florentin Pogba and Mathias Pogba representing Guinea, with their more famous brother Paul Pogba playing for France.
Christian Vieiri (Italy) and Max Vieiri (Australia) are two other brothers who represented different nations.
Imagine having two of your kids play at the World Cup… for DIFFERENT NATIONS! 🇦🇺🏴
— Football360.com.au (@football360au) June 5, 2026
That's the predicament facing the parents of Harry and John Souttar this month.
Harry is under no illusions as to which son's games they will watch more of 😅 pic.twitter.com/siKxHe0x7Z
John Goodall (England) and Archie Goodall (Northern Ireland) are said to be the first footballing siblings to have chosen different countries. The Goodall brothers were active in the late 19th Century, with each representing the countries of their birth.
From the 60’s and 70’s, John Hollins (England) and Dave Hollins (Wales) comes to mind. The were the same category as the Goddal’s. John, born in Guildford, England and Dave in Bangor, Wales. John Hollins had a fine career with Chelsea, QPR and Arsenal. David Hollins played for a number of clubs, among them Brighton and Newcastle.
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