Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major3
88%
Belgium's Doku Returns to World Cup Camp After Son's Birth
Belgium forward Jérémy Doku rejoined the national team's World Cup training facility on Tuesday after traveling to London for the birth of his first son, Praise. The 24-year-old missed Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran due to a respiratory illness but received clearance to be with his family, returning with widespread support from teammates.
Quick Facts
Who
Jérémy Doku
What
Doku traveled to London for the birth of his first child
When
Sunday (Iran match)
Where
London
- Doku traveled to London for the birth of his first child
- Doku missed Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran due to respiratory illness
- Doku was cleared to travel by the Belgian Football Association
- Doku rejoined the World Cup training camp
- French commentator France Pierron criticized Doku's absence
Belgium forward Jérémy Doku rejoined the national team's World Cup training facility in the Seattle area on Tuesday following a brief trip to London for the birth of his first child, a son named Praise. The 24-year-old Manchester City player missed Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran on Sunday due to a respiratory illness but was cleared by the Belgian Football Association to travel and be present for his family. He was accompanied by team doctor Brecht De Coninck during the journey.
Doku had featured in Belgium's opening World Cup match, a 1-1 draw with Egypt. Upon his return, he expressed gratitude for the support received from teammates and the public. "Shireen and Praise are doing great, and my heart is full of gratitude," Doku said on social media. "Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. Thank you to the team for the support, now it's time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage."
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans publicly supported Doku's decision, noting that being present for a child's birth creates irreplaceable memories. Center back Arthur Theate also welcomed Doku's return, describing him as an important player for the squad. Belgium faces New Zealand on Friday at BC Place in a crucial match that could determine the team's advancement to the knockout round, with the Red Devils having drawn both of their opening matches.
Doku's decision to leave the World Cup temporarily drew criticism from French television presenter France Pierron, who characterized childbirth as "a disgusting moment" where fathers are "useless." The French sports newspaper L'Equipe subsequently apologized to Doku and distanced itself from Pierron's comments, stating they did not represent the publication's values. Pierron was taken off air following the controversy.
Meanwhile, Belgium faced unexpected absences during training on Tuesday, with center back Brandon Mechele and forward Leandro Trossard not appearing during the media-open portion of practice. Both players had completed full 90-minute appearances in Belgium's first two World Cup matches, and the reasons for their absence remained unclear.
Why This Matters
This story illustrates the modern intersection of elite sports competition and family values at the highest level. Doku's case demonstrates how major sporting institutions are adapting to support player welfare beyond the pitch, setting a precedent for balancing performance demands with life milestones. The incident also sparked important dialogue about parental responsibilities and workplace flexibility, reaching beyond football into broader social discourse.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 21, 2026
WireBelgium draws 1-1 with Egypt in World Cup opener
Jun 22, 2026
WireBelgium draws 0-0 with Iran; Doku misses match due to respiratory illness
Jun 22, 2026
WireDoku receives clearance to travel to London for birth of son
Jun 23, 2026
WireDoku's son Praise is born in London
Jun 23, 2026
WireDoku rejoins Belgium World Cup training camp in Seattle area
Jun 24, 2026
WireDoku posts social media message thanking team for support
Jun 27, 2026
WireBelgium faces New Zealand in crucial World Cup match