Following in their fathers' footsteps: 9 athletes set to make their own World Cup debut after their dads competed on the global stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to witness a continuation of a special family tradition, as players like Giuliano Simeone, Justin Kluivert, Francisco Conceição, and Sebastian Berhalter prepare to follow in their fathers' footsteps by competing on football's biggest stage.

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Only 27 father-son combinations have participated in the World Cup throughout its history, featuring notable football families such as the Maldinis, Thurams, Schmeichels, Forlans, and Alonsos, with this number set to increase in North America as several players aim to emulate their fathers.

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Sebastian Berhalter, a midfielder for the USA, has emerged as a rising star in American football, breaking into the national team setup in 2025 and strengthening his World Cup credentials with a standout season for the Vancouver Whitecaps, while his father Gregg Berhalter represented the USA at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

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Gregg Berhalter later returned as national team coach, guiding the Americans at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, and an interesting fact is that he is the godson of baseball legend Carl Yastrzemski.

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Francisco Conceição, one of Portugal's brightest attacking talents, has become known for his explosive pace and dribbling ability, announcing himself on the international stage with a dramatic winning goal against Czechia at UEFA Euro 2024, while his father Sergio represented Portugal at the 2002 World Cup.

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An interesting fact about Sergio Conceição is that three of his five sons became professional footballers, highlighting the family's deep connection to the sport.

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Lee Tae-seok, a defender for South Korea, is quickly establishing himself as one of the country's most promising players, impressing with his attacking contributions and recently scoring the winner in South Korea's victory over Ghana, while his father Lee Eul-yong was a key member of the South Korean teams that competed at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

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Lee Eul-yong's background is marked by an interesting fact, as he worked in a nightclub during his youth before eventually becoming a professional footballer at the age of 23.

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Angus Gunn, Scotland's first-choice goalkeeper, is on course to make his World Cup debut after switching international allegiance from England to Scotland, while his father Bryan Gunn was part of Scotland's squad at Italia 1990, although he did not make an appearance during the tournament.

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An interesting fact about Bryan Gunn is that he reportedly became engaged to Angus's mother just 48 hours after meeting her during a holiday in Spain, showcasing a whirlwind romance.

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Erling Haaland, a prolific goalscorer for Norway, has helped his country return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, with his father Alf-Inge Haaland representing Norway at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, and an interesting fact is that Erling became only the sixth player in football history to score 50 international goals in fewer than 50 appearances.

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Justin Kluivert, a midfielder for the Netherlands, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Bournemouth, cementing his place in the Dutch national team, while 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.

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An interesting fact about the Kluivert family is that despite being father and son, Patrick stands significantly taller at 1.91 meters compared to Justin's 1.72 meters, highlighting their physical differences.

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Giuliano Simeone, a winger for Argentina, has become one of the country's most exciting young players, earning regular opportunities under national team coach Lionel Scaloni and famously scoring in Argentina's emphatic victory over Brazil during qualifying, while his father Diego Simeone played in three World Cups for Argentina and captained the Albiceleste at France 1998.

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Diego Simeone's family life is marked by an interesting fact, as he regularly held virtual family meals with his sons while working abroad as they pursued football careers, showcasing his dedication to family.

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Kristian Thorstvedt, a midfielder for Norway, has become an important figure in the country's midfield following a strong season with Sassuolo, while 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.

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An interesting fact about Kristian Thorstvedt is that he and Erling Haaland could become the first sons of former World Cup teammates to play together at a World Cup, highlighting a unique family connection.

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Luca Zidane, a goalkeeper for Algeria, is the son of one of football's greatest-ever players, Zinedine Zidane, and could soon write his own World Cup story, having represented France at youth level before switching allegiance to Algeria and making his senior international debut in 2025.

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Zinedine Zidane inspired France to World Cup glory in 1998 and led Les Bleus to another final in 2006, and an interesting fact is that he successfully completed all 11 of his dribble attempts against Brazil in the iconic 2006 World Cup quarter-final, showcasing his exceptional skill.