Soccer fans across the world were anticipating a historic family showdown in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final — a clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund that had all the makings of a special moment. Two of soccer’s most promising brothers, Jude and Jobe Bellingham, seemed destined to meet on the same field for the first time in an official match. But as the fixture at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey draws near, one half of the brotherly duel has been taken off the table.
For the Bellingham family, July 1, 2025, was circled on the calendar. Real Madrid had edged Juventus 1-0, while Borussia Dortmund beat Monterrey 2-1 to book their spots in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. A matchup between Jude and Jobe, two rising English stars, appeared inevitable. The stakes were massive: not only a ticket to the semi-finals but the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of brothers battling for continental supremacy on opposite sides of the pitch.
Yet, that dream came undone not by injury or managerial decision — but by regulation.
Why Jobe will miss the quarter-final
The reason behind Jobe Bellingham’s absence is a rule that has come under scrutiny. He picked up his second yellow card of the tournament during Dortmund’s match against Monterrey, having already been cautioned in the group stage match against Ulsan Hyundai. According to FIFA rules, yellow cards are not cleared until the semifinals, meaning two bookings lead to a one-match suspension in the earlier rounds of the competition.
It’s a technicality that has robbed fans — and the players — of an emotional on-field encounter.
“I think we all saw that he [Jobe Bellingham] was very disappointed,” said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac. “I think he did not exactly know that the second yellow card is a suspension at half-time. He was a little bit surprised. OK, he’s young. His brother is also young so I’m convinced they will face each other, maybe next season in the Champions League… The Club World Cup would be nice but now it isn’t.”
Missed family milestone
For the Bellinghams, this would have been more than just a soccer match. The two are extremely close off the field, regularly vacationing together and maintaining a deep bond despite playing for different clubs. Their parallel journeys have always fascinated soccer fans — from Birmingham City to stardom, from English academies to global clubs.
Just a year ago, Jobe was still in the Championship with Sunderland, but after a breakout season that saw him help the team earn Premier League promotion via the playoffs, Borussia Dortmund — the club that once nurtured Jude — brought him in for over €30 million, continuing the uncanny symmetry in their careers.
