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Belgium winger Jérémy Doku has made his way back to North America for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup, following a short trip to London to witness the birth of his firstborn son, Praise.
Doku arrived in Seattle on Tuesday evening, giving him time to prepare for the Red Devils' final group stage fixture against New Zealand on Friday in Vancouver — a match Belgium must win after suffering back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iran in Group G.
The 24-year-old Manchester City star, visibly overjoyed, was welcomed back at the team hotel with cheers and embraces. The Belgian football federation has been openly supportive of Doku's choice to temporarily leave the tournament, despite the decision sparking widespread online debate and viral backlash.
"Back in camp after the most important assist of his life," the team posted to X late Tuesday.
Back in camp after the most important assist of his life. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kEUzwWxjK9
Doku did sit out the goalless draw against Iran on Sunday; however, his absence stemmed from a respiratory illness rather than the birth itself. He left shortly afterward, "with the approval of" the federation and accompanied by a team physician on the flight to London to support his recovery. He is expected to be fit for the match against New Zealand.
"We sent him a message to congratulate him and his wife," Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said Monday following Praise's arrival. "I think having a child is the most wonderful thing in the world and being there is completely natural as a father. I have three myself, and those are moments you can never get back, so I'm truly happy for him."
Doku's Decision Sparks Controversy, Apology
Doku had expressed his intentions the previous week to be by his wife Shireen's side, as her due date wasn't until early July — a window that could potentially overlap with a quarterfinal fixture.
"It's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there," Doku said at the time, per Reuters.
"If you ask what I want, my answer is that no one wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we can do."
Reactions quickly poured in, igniting a debate not only about a World Cup player's obligations, but more broadly about the role of fathers during childbirth. The discussion cast a spotlight on how fatherhood is perceived among elite athletes in particular.
A segment on the prominent French platform L'Équipe went viral after reporter France Pierron described leaving the national team as a "disgusting moment" and claimed the "father is useless" during childbirth. "You are not going to cut an umbilical cord; you can't miss a World Cup," she said.
French boxer Brahim Asloum quickly fired back, saying, "A baby is your entire life. A World Cup is over when it is over."
L'Équipe has since issued a formal apology for Pierron's comments: "France Pierron made remarks that shocked many viewers of the L'Équipe channel. The team disassociates itself from these remarks which are very far removed from the Group's values and apologizes to the footballer concerned and more generally to its fans."
Pierron also released her own statement: "These remarks are solely my own and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry for that."
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Despite the episode becoming a very public controversy, Doku remains in high spirits. "Shireen and Praise are doing great, and my heart is full of gratitude," he wrote 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 will be counting on the dynamic winger to help steer the team to victory on Friday and avoid a stunning early exit from the tournament.