Belgium star striker Jérémy Doku has left the 2026 World Cup to attend the birth of his first son, Praise, who was born on Monday.
Doku has been ruled out of Belgium’s match against Iran on Sunday due to a respiratory illness. Still not 100 percent fit, a team doctor accompanied him on his travels to London to join his wife, Shireen, after receiving the necessary approval from the Belgian federation to leave the tournament on the occasion of the milestone.
Doku will make a quick return to the World Cup, flying back to Seattle on Tuesday night ahead of Manchester City’s match against New Zealand on Friday.
This comes just days after Doku initially revealed his intention to leave the tournament for the birth of his child, who was not expected to arrive until the second week of July.
‘It’s my first child, so I’d definitely like to be there,’ Doku told Reuters. ‘Nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child, but football involves many considerations.’
The discussion with the federation took place much sooner than expected, with Doku leaving in the middle of the group stage. He is not expected to miss any more games, as long as he fully recovers from his illness.
Doku’s decision to leave sparked huge controversy online, highlighting the public perception of paternity for athletes in elite sports.
England striker Ollie Watkins defended Doku, saying, ‘It’s nobody else’s business what he does after training.’
Watkins added, ‘To welcome your first child into the world is a blessing and you don’t get that opportunity. I see where he’s coming from. I think he has every right to come back and be there.’
Belgium will be eager to get Doku back on the pitch as soon as possible, without their winger, the Red Devils settled for a disappointing goalless draw against Iran.
Without Doku, Belgium has just two points in Group G after drawing with Egypt in last week’s opener. They need a win against New Zealand on Friday to cement a place in the knockout rounds.
Belgium entered the tournament as clear group favorites and a team ranked in the top 10 globally by FIFA. Without Doku, they seem lifeless.
Doku’s decision to leave the World Cup highlights the challenges faced by athletes in balancing their careers with personal responsibilities.
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