Jeremy Doku rejoins Belgium squad for World Cup after son’s birth

Jeremy Doku is back with Belgium’s World Cup squad in Seattle after stepping away from the tournament to welcome his first child into the world. The 23-year-old Manchester City winger traveled to London for the birth of his son, named Praise, missing Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Iran on June 22.

The Belgian Football Association confirmed Doku’s return to the team on June 23, giving him time to settle back in ahead of Belgium’s next group stage match against New Zealand on June 26. What should have been a straightforward feel-good story, though, managed to become something much more complicated thanks to a French TV presenter with a very specific opinion about fatherhood.

A winger, a newborn, and a flight to London

Doku departed Belgium’s World Cup camp around June 21 to be with his wife in London for the birth. The decision was made well in advance, and the Belgian FA publicly backed their player without hesitation.

“No father would want to miss that.”

A presenter on French outlet L’Équipe’s television broadcast criticized Doku’s decision, suggesting that fathers are essentially “useless” during childbirth and that leaving a World Cup for it was unnecessary. The comment landed about as well as you’d expect in 2026.

Social media responded swiftly. Fans, fellow players, and commentators rallied behind Doku. L’Équipe ultimately distanced itself from the presenter’s remarks and issued an apology.

Belgium’s campaign so far

Doku’s absence against Iran didn’t cost Belgium a loss, but the 0-0 result wasn’t exactly inspiring either. Belgium’s early matches have been goalless affairs, which is the kind of pattern that makes a manager very eager to get his most dynamic attacker back in the squad.

With the New Zealand match on June 26 now representing a critical juncture in their group stage campaign, his return carries tactical significance beyond the personal narrative.

What this means for the bigger picture

The Belgian FA’s immediate and public support matters here. When a national federation backs a player’s decision without equivocation, it sets a precedent. The institution said yes, the public said yes, and the one person who said no had to apologize.

Doku named his son Praise. Given how the last 48 hours have played out for the Manchester City winger, with overwhelming public support, a healthy baby, and a World Cup still very much in play, the name feels fitting.

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