Mazinho and Thiago are among them. So, too, are the Alonsos, Djorkaeffs, Forlans, Maldinis, Reynas, Schmeichels and Thurams. Overall, . That figure is soon set to increase. FIFA spotlights the duos set to hike the haul.
Participations: 2 Appearances: 2 Goals: 0
The centre-back delivered a fine performance as USA shut down Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Jared Borgetti and Mexico to reach the Korea/Japan 2002 quarter-finals, where he again impressed in a 1-0 loss to Germany. Berhalter also went to Germany 2006 and coached his country at Qatar 2022.
The midfielder broke into the USA squad last year, scored in their 5-1 thrashing of Uruguay, and cemented his place on Mauricio Pochettino’s list with an excellent season for Vancouver Whitecaps.
Did you know? Gregg is the godson of Boston Red Sox demigod Carl Yastrzemski. Gregg was in the colours of their arch-enemies, the New York Yankees, shortly before Qatar 2022, throwing the first pitch at one of their games. “He wouldn’t be too happy with me!” admitted Berhalter.
Participations: 1 Appearances: 3 Goals: 0
The winger helped Portugal pummel Poland 4-0 at Korea/Japan 2002, but couldn’t prevent their first-phase elimination.
The 5ft 5ins winger snatched Portugal victory over Czechia in their EURO 2024 opener, and scored again as they sunk Germany in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals in June. Did you know? Three of Sergio’s five sons became pro footballers. Sergio Jr and Rodrigo played under Sergio Sr at Porto.
Participations: 2 Appearances: 6 Goals: 1 The midfielder scored a glorious free-kick in the third-place play-off at the 2002 World Cup. Lee also represented Korea Republic at the 2006 finals.
The left-back got the only goal as Korea Republic beat Ghana in November. Excellent going forward, the 23-year-old has been in fine form for Austria Vienna. Did you know? Lee Eulyong quit his pursuit of a football career to work in a nightclub during his youth. He only turned pro when he was 23.
Participations: 1 Appearances: 0 The Norwich City man was Scotland’s third-choice goalkeeper at Italy 1990 behind Jim Leighton and Andy Goram.
A former England youth international, Gunn has been Scotland’s first-choice goalkeeper since switching allegiances in 2023. After recovering from a knee injury in December, the 30-year-old saw just 45 minutes of action for Nottingham Forest. Did you know? Bryan met his wife Susan, Angus’s mother, while on a lads’ holiday in Spain. Despite pretending he was a joiner, because he felt footballers had bad reputations, they were engaged within 48 hours.
Participations: 1 Appearances: 2 Goals: 0 Haaland played at right-back in Norway’s first World Cup game in 56 years, helping them edge Mexico in the US capital in 1994. He was suspended for their final group game, which ended in a goalless draw with Republic of Ireland and saw the Nordic nation cruelly eliminated on goals scored.
Norway, who have France and Senegal for company in Group I, face a tough task at their first global finals in 28 years. With one of the most devastating goalscorers in recent decades at their spearhead, however, anything is possible. Did you know? In October, Erling became only the sixth footballer in history – and first in 53 years – to reach 50 international goals in fewer than 50 caps. He emulated Denmark’s Poul Nielsen (36 appearances), West Germany’s Gerd Muller (41), Hungary duo Ferenc Puskas (41) and Sandor Kocsis (42), and Brazil’s Pele (49).
Participations: 1 Appearances: 4 Goals: 2
Kluivert was sent off on his World Cup debut, a goalless draw with rivals Belgium in 1998. He returned to score in the quarter-final victory over Argentina, and again against Brazil in the semis, which the Netherlands went on to lose on penalties. At the time of Korea/Japan 2002, Kluivert was fresh from scoring 25 goals in three consecutive campaigns for Barcelona, but the Netherlands surprisingly failed to reach the finals after finishing behind Republic of Ireland and winners Portugal in their qualification group.
The winger enjoyed a breakout season for Bournemouth in 2024/25. It helped him become an automatic choice in the Netherlands squad and, despite being troubled by injury last term, he was selected by Ronald Koeman for North America.
Did you know? Sons are habitually taller than their fathers, but it’s not the case with the Kluiverts. Patrick (1.91 metres) towers over Justin (1.72m).
Participations: 3 Appearances: 11 Goals: 0 The midfield enforcer was a key figure for Argentina at three World Cups. At France 1998, as captain, Simeone was involved in an infamous incident which led to England’s David Beckham being sent off in the last 16 at France 1998, with Daniel Passarella’s men going on to win on penalties.
The 22-year-old has become important player under his father at Atletico Madrid and an ever-present in Lionel Scaloni’s squad. Simeone scored in Argentina’s thumping 4-1 win over Brazil last year. Did you know? When Diego returned to live in Madrid in 2011, he continued to enjoy meals with his three sons, who were all aspiring footballers. Dad would have lunch and chat to Giovanni, Gianluca and Giuliano via video call as they enjoyed their dinner.
Participations: 1 Appearances: 3 Goals: 0 The Tottenham goalkeeper conceded just one goal in three games to help Norway earn four points at USA 1994, but they cruelly suffered group-stage elimination due to goals scored.
The midfielder revelled in Sassuolo in 2025/26. A couple of hours north in Milan, Thorstvedt helped Norway down Italy 4-1 and clinch World Cup qualification. Did you know? Erik and Alfie Haaland played together at USA 1994. Kristian and Erling could become the first sons of World Cup team-mates to play together in the tournament.
Participations: 3 Appearances: 12 Goals: 5
One of the greatest players in World Cup history, Zidane inspired France to glory on home soil in 1998 and into the final eight years later.
The second of Zinedine’s four footballing sons, Luca played alongside Dayot Upamecano for France at the FIFA U-20 World Cup™. After switching allegiances, however, the Granada goalkeeper made his Algeria debut in October.
Did you know? Zidane completed all 11 of his attempted dribbles against Brazil during an epic display in the Germany 2006 quarter-finals.
Sources: FIFA Official
