When could the Bellingham brothers meet at the FIFA Club World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup is already throwing up some interesting stories just days after things kicked off in the States, but there's potential for an even more intriguing tale to come out of the tournament, and it's centred around two young England stars. 

The Bellingham brothers are already poised to make FIFA Club World Cup history by becoming the first brothers to ever appear in competition at the same time, but what are the chances of them actually facing each other?

Jude is busy preparing for Real Madrid's opener against Al-Hilal on Thursday, having become a key player for the Spanish giants since his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2023.

The 22-year-old won La Liga and the Champions League in his first season at the club and will no doubt be a central figure in Xabi Alonso's new-look team. 

His younger brother Jobe, meanwhile, is set to make his debut for Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday against Fluminense, after following in his elder siblings' footsteps by signing for the Germans earlier this month from Sunderland. 

When could the Bellingham brothers meet?

To see a Bellingham vs Bellingham, their respective teams would need to take one of these routes. 

Let's say both teams top their groups. That would mean Real Madrid facing a last-16 tie against the runners-up of Group G (likely to be Manchester City or Juventus), while Dortmund go against the runners-up of Group E (possibly Inter Milan or River Plate).

If they get through those ties, it would set up a brother vs brother bout in the quarter-final stage, where Real Madrid would play Dortmund at MetLife Stadium. 

However, if either team finishes second in their respective group, then the two Bellinghams would be in different halves of the draw and could only meet in the FIFA Club World Cup Final. 

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