Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has been in action for Belgium during the international break and wasn't happy following Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Kazakhstan
ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN - NOVEMBER 15: Jeremy Doku of Belgium reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Kazakhstan and Belgium at Astana Arena on November 15, 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan. (Photo by Denis Tyrin - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Jeremy Doku vented his frustration post-match(Image: Denis Tyrin - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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A furious Jeremy Doku took aim at his Belgium team-mates after they missed a chance to qualify for the World Cup on Saturday. Belgium slumped to a 1-1 in Kazakhstan on Saturday, despite knowing that a win would've secured top spot in Group J and sealed direct qualification.
The Red Devils went behind after just nine minutes when Kazakhstan's Dastan Satpaev capitalised on a mistake to give the home side - who were already eliminated - a precious lead. Belgium equalised shortly after half-time through Hans Vanaken but they couldn't find a winning goal, not even after Kazakhstan were reduced to 10 men late on.
Rudi Garcia's side now need to win their final qualifier at home to Liechtenstein to guarantee a ticket to North America, although a draw would likely suffice. Between now and Tuesday's match, there'll be some honest words in the Belgian camp - that's if Doku's comments are anything to go by.
"We've already dropped too many points because we weren't good enough in a large number of matches," the Manchester City winger told Belgian outlet Sporza. "Our campaign hasn't gone well, no. Everyone needs to do better. The coach, me, everyone."
Doku was also asked if the absences of star players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois was a valid excuse. Shaking his head, the 23-year-old replied: "Kevin, Romelu, Thibaut... If we need them to win against Kazakhstan, then we can't do anything at the World Cup."
Doku went on to suggest that Belgium didn't do enough research on their opponents. "We looked at this team and thought they would play long, but then they played short and started playing football," the ex-Rennes star explained.
"It was a completely different match than last time. Maybe we didn't analyse our opponent enough."
Meanwhile, defender Arthur Theate hit out at journalists for questioning Belgium's defence. Theate was at fault for Kazakhstan's goal and after acknowledging his mistake, he added: "I get the impression you're always questioning the defence.
ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN - NOVEMBER 15: Amadou Onana and Arthur Theate of Belgium look dejected after the Kazakhstan first goal scored by Dastan Satpayev (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Kazakhstan and Belgium at Astana Arena on November 15, 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan. (Photo by Denis Tyrin - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Belgium missed the chance to qualify
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"If you feel like it, go ahead. It's not that I disagree. But if you concede a goal, that's the problem. If you don't score, it's the attack's fault.
"Of course we shouldn't have conceded that goal, but we haven't conceded many goals this campaign. Agreed, conceding three goals at home against Wales wouldn't have been right.
"But otherwise, we weren't put in much danger. But you can judge for yourself. I just think we're having a good campaign defensively."
Belgium, whose attack has been on fire this year, have conceded seven goals in seven qualifiers, whereas second-place North Macedonia have shipped just three. Fortunately for Belgium, Liechtenstein are yet to score a single goal and North Macedonia's trip to Wales will likely decided who earns a place in March's play-offs.
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