The 2026 FIFA World Cup could witness a special family tradition continue on football’s biggest stage, with players such as Giuliano Simeone, Justin Kluivert, Francisco Conceição, Sebastian Berhalter among others to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, who also appeared at the FIFA World Cup.
Throughout World Cup history, only 27 father-son combinations have appeared in the tournament, featuring famous football families such as the Maldinis, Thurams, Schmeichels, Forlans, and Alonsos.
That number is set to grow in North America, with several players hoping to emulate their fathers by representing their countries at the World Cup. Here are 10 footballers who could continue their family legacy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
1. Sebastian Berhalter (USA)
Father: Gregg Berhalter
Sebastian Berhalter has emerged as one of the rising names in American football. The midfielder broke into the United States national team setup in 2025 and strengthened his World Cup credentials with a standout season for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
His father, Gregg Berhalter, represented the USA at both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He later returned as national team coach and guided the Americans at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
If selected, Sebastian would become the latest Berhalter to grace football’s biggest stage.
Interesting fact
Gregg Berhalter is the godson of baseball legend Carl Yastrzemski.
2. Francisco Conceição (Portugal)
Father: Sergio Conceição
One of Portugal’s brightest attacking talents, Francisco Conceição has become known for his explosive pace and dribbling ability.
The winger announced himself on the international stage with a dramatic winning goal against Czechia at UEFA Euro 2024 and continued his rise with another important strike against Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
His father Sergio represented Portugal at the 2002 World Cup.
Interesting fact
Three of Sergio Conceição’s five sons became professional footballers.
3. Lee Tae-seok (South Korea)
Father: Lee Eul-yong
Lee Tae-seok is quickly establishing himself as one of South Korea’s most promising defenders.
The Austria Vienna full-back has impressed with his attacking contributions and recently scored the winner in South Korea’s victory over Ghana.
His father, Lee Eul-yong, was a key member of the South Korean teams that competed at both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
Interesting fact
Lee Eul-yong worked in a nightclub during his youth before eventually becoming a professional footballer at age 23.
4. Angus Gunn (Scotland)
Father: Bryan Gunn
Scotland’s first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn is on course to make his World Cup debut after switching international allegiance from England to Scotland.
His father Bryan Gunn was part of Scotland’s squad at Italia 1990, although he did not make an appearance during the tournament.
Interesting fact
Bryan Gunn reportedly became engaged to Angus’s mother just 48 hours after meeting her during a holiday in Spain.
5. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Father: Alf-Inge Haaland
Few players arrive at the World Cup with as much anticipation as Erling Haaland.
Already one of football’s most prolific goalscorers, Haaland has helped Norway return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, represented Norway at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Interesting fact
Erling became only the sixth player in football history to score 50 international goals in fewer than 50 appearances.
6. Justin Kluivert (Netherlands)
Father: Patrick Kluivert
Justin Kluivert enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Bournemouth that helped cement his place in the Dutch national team.
His father Patrick Kluivert starred for the Netherlands at the 1998 World Cup, scoring crucial goals against Argentina and Brazil as the Dutch reached the semi-finals.
Interesting fact
Despite being father and son, Patrick stands significantly taller at 1.91 metres compared to Justin’s 1.72 metres.
7. Giuliano Simeone (Argentina)
Father: Diego Simeone
Giuliano Simeone has become one of Argentina’s most exciting young players.
The Atlético Madrid winger has earned regular opportunities under national team coach Lionel Scaloni and famously scored in Argentina’s emphatic victory over Brazil during qualifying.
His father Diego Simeone played in three World Cups for Argentina and captained the Albiceleste at France 1998.
Interesting fact
Diego regularly held virtual family meals with his sons while working abroad as they pursued football careers.
8. Kristian Thorstvedt (Norway)
Father: Erik Thorstvedt
Kristian Thorstvedt has become an important figure in Norway’s midfield following a strong season with Sassuolo.
His father Erik Thorstvedt was Norway’s goalkeeper at the 1994 World Cup, helping the Scandinavian nation concede only one goal during the group stage.
Interesting fact
Kristian and Erling Haaland could become the first sons of former World Cup teammates to play together at a World Cup.
9. Luca Zidane (Algeria)
Father: Zinedine Zidane
The son of one of football’s greatest-ever players could soon write his own World Cup story.
Luca Zidane represented France at youth level before switching allegiance to Algeria. The Granada goalkeeper made his senior international debut in 2025 and is now aiming to help Algeria compete on the global stage.
His father Zinedine Zidane inspired France to World Cup glory in 1998 and led Les Bleus to another final in 2006.
Interesting fact
Zinedine Zidane successfully completed all 11 of his dribble attempts against Brazil in the iconic 2006 World Cup quarter-final.
