Jude Bellingham and Jobe Bellingham could rewrite FIFA Club World Cup history – Date of possible duel revealed

As the FIFA Club World Cup prepares to deliver its biggest edition yet, one storyline is already capturing global attention—not because of silverware or rivalries, but because of family.

As the FIFA Club World Cup prepares to deliver its biggest edition yet, one storyline is already capturing global attention—not because of silverware or rivalries, but because of family. Two of England’s most exciting young players, Jude and Jobe Bellingham, are set to make Club World Cup history, and the possibility of them facing each other on soccer’s global stage has set fans and pundits buzzing.

The Bellingham brothers are on course to become the first siblings to appear in the same Club World Cup tournament. But the narrative doesn’t end there. There’s a growing possibility that they could go head-to-head in a competitive match—a scenario that would mark a truly unprecedented moment in soccer.

New chapter for Jobe, same dominance from Jude

Jobe Bellingham, just 19, has taken a giant leap in his career by signing for Borussia Dortmund earlier this month in a club-record $37 million deal from Sunderland. His rapid rise from Championship prodigy to international prospect reached new heights when he helped Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

However, Jobe won’t be thrust straight into the limelight. Dortmund manager Niko Kovac confirmed that he won’t start in the opening Group F match against Brazil’s Fluminense, as the teenager has only recently joined up with the squad.

“We’re all happy he’s here with us now,” Kovac told reporters. “He’s fully fit physically. Looking ahead, he won’t start just yet because one week with the team isn’t enough to fully learn our systems and playing principles… But without a doubt, during the tournament, he’ll get his minutes.”

Despite not starting the opener, Jobe’s presence at the tournament is already significant—and Dortmund clearly believe he will be an asset in their campaign.

Meanwhile, his older brother Jude Bellingham arrives at the tournament as one of Real Madrid’s undisputed stars. Since his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 for $118 million, the 22-year-old has won La Liga and the Champions League, and now forms a key part of Xabi Alonso’s evolving Madrid midfield. Los Blancos will open their campaign in Group H against Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg, with Jude a guaranteed starter.

When could they meet?

So, when might this historic sibling showdown happen?

Both Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are in separate groups, which means they cannot meet until the knockout stages. If both clubs win their groups, the Bellinghams could clash as early as the quarter-finals at MetLife Stadium.

In that scenario, Real Madrid would face the runner-up from Group G, which includes Manchester City, Juventus, Al Ain, and Wydad—a challenging path. Dortmund, on the other hand, would take on the runner-up from Group E, a group featuring Inter, River Plate, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds.

But if either Dortmund or Madrid finishes second, they would fall into opposite halves of the bracket, meaning the only way they could meet would be in the final, set for mid-July. “If they do play each other,” noted DAZN, “it will be the first time that siblings have ever faced each other in a Club World Cup.”