John and Harry Souttar will face off in the 2026 World Cup, but their journey to the tournament is united by grief. The Scottish and Australian defenders share a profound loss: their older brother Aaron, who died from motor neurone disease in 2022 at age 42.
Aaron was 18 years older than Harry and served as a second father. Both brothers idolized him, copying his style and seeking his approval. Harry recalls always trying to impress Aaron when he watched from the sidelines. John dedicated his first Scotland goal to Aaron during his illness.
The brothers will represent different nations—John for Scotland, Harry for Australia—but carry the same tribute: tattoos of Aaron on their bodies. Harry's ink shows Aaron taking a golf swing, while John's marks a permanent reminder of the man who shaped their careers.
Though they hoped to face each other in the group stage, family will split across host cities in the US and Canada. Aaron's absence looms large, but his influence endures in every match they play.