Jérémy Doku is absent from the World Cup for the birth of his first child.

Jérémy Doku disrupted the Belgian national team’s training camp by unexpectedly leaving the concentration camp to attend the birth of his first child. The Belgian international, one of the key figures for Manchester City, urgently flew to London on Sunday, thereby missing the crucial second group match against Iran. The announcement was made by the national team itself, which confirmed that Doku and his wife welcomed their baby boy, Praise, a moment that caught many fans and analysts by surprise due to the courage and priority given to family during an international competition.

According to official information, the medical team from Belgium prepared in advance for the possibility of Doku’s departure. Doctor Brahim Hacene clarified on Monday that the player was under close surveillance and had received preventive medication for several days, which allowed him to travel without any clinical risk to be with his family during this significant moment. Doku was accompanied by doctor Brecht De Coninck, ensuring that the entire trip took place with maximum safety. “As he had already been receiving the appropriate medication for several days, he was able to travel without any medical risk to be with his family during this special moment,” Hacene explained. The doctor did not detail what type of medication was being administered.

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The 24-year-old forward is expected to return to the Belgian national team’s base, located near Seattle, on Tuesday night, as announced by the medical team. However, his absence from the match on Sunday against Iran was unavoidable, with the federation initially citing illness as the reason for his non-selection. Belgium ended up drawing 0-0 in a match marked by numerical inferiority for much of the second half, after Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card in the 66th minute. The team was forced to retreat, doing everything possible to secure a precious point in the group.

The Doku case has gained even more media attention due to the controversy generated by some critics, particularly in France. The forward had already confessed before the draw with Egypt (1-1) that he would like to be present at the birth of his child: “I would like to be there. No father would want to miss that. I know the federation is informed, and we will see what we can do,” Doku told reporters, expressing his desire to balance family and sporting obligations. Following the realization of this wish, voices such as that of presenter France Pierron from L’Équipe fiercely attacked the player, describing the moment of childbirth as “disgusting” and insinuating that the father is always “completely useless.” The statements generated a wave of indignation and forced Pierron to issue a public apology.

Doku’s absence was a dominant theme in the Belgian and international press, with many fans questioning whether the winger’s presence could have changed the outcome of the match against Iran. However, the problems facing the Belgian national team seem to go beyond the absence of a single player, highlighting collective weaknesses both in finishing and in the emotional management of the group. The goalless draw left Belgium in a delicate situation, now requiring a win in the next match against New Zealand to secure advancement to the round of 16 and avoid a scandal of early elimination.

The return of Doku is seen as a crucial asset for the aspirations of the “Red Devils.” The player, who has established himself as one of the most electrifying wingers in the game today, brings speed, creativity, and the ability to unbalance the Belgian attack, elements that seemed absent in the first two matches. The national coach and fans hope that the birth of his child will serve as extra inspiration for the player, who is preparing to take the field even more motivated and determined to help the team overcome difficulties and revive their World Cup campaign.

All eyes are now on Doku’s reunion with his teammates and the response Belgium will give against New Zealand. Only victory matters, and the pressure is at its peak: the future of the national team in the tournament depends not only on the recovery of their star player but also on a renewed cohesion both on and off the pitch. With Doku back and the family reunited, it remains to be seen if the “Red Devils” can finally showcase the football they promise and avoid a disastrous exit from the biggest competition on the international calendar.

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