Haaland, Thuram, Kluivert, and Simeone: Fathers and Sons Who Played in a World Cup, the Same Dream, and Two Generations

The 2026 World Cup features a compelling parallel competition: the sons of former players are now gracing the same global stage their fathers once did. This generational continuity adds a unique narrative layer to the tournament, highlighting both the enduring legacy of footballing families and the distinct pressures faced by these second-generation stars.

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It's one of the best things that has happened to me in my life.

Norway exemplifies this trend, with Kristian Thorstvedt, son of former goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt, playing in the tournament. Erik, who represented Norway in the 1994 World Cup after a decades-long absence for the team, vividly recalls the intense emotions of playing on such a grand stage. He remembers the heat, the demanding style of play, and the bitter disappointment of group-stage elimination, calling it the "real group of death."

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It was very hot and, with a style of play that demanded so much running, it was very hard for us. Still, it was terrible to be eliminated in the group stage with four points. It was the real group of death.

Gregg Berhalter, a U.S. international in 2002 and 2006 and later the national team coach, shares similar sentiments about the heightened emotions of the World Cup. He recalls the fans, the anthems, the intensity, and the amplified joy of victory and pain of defeat.

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I remember the fans, the anthems, the intensity of the matches. The joy of winning and the pain of losing and being eliminated. In a World Cup, all emotions are intensified.

Beyond the Thorstvedts, other Norwegian players like Erling Haaland, whose father Alf-Inge Haaland played in 1994, and Alexander Sørloth, son of Goran Sørloth from the same 1994 squad, are also part of this new generation. Erik Thorstvedt expresses immense pride in his son's journey, acknowledging his incredible will and determination. However, he also understands the heightened risks that come with reaching the pinnacle of the sport, where immense rewards are matched by significant dangers.

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Of course, I am proud that my son is part of the Norwegian national team. He has come a long way and has incredible will and determination. He has forged a really good career.