Jeremy Doku has been slammed by a TV presenter after he announced his intention to leave the Belgium camp during the 2026 World Cup.
If Belgium are going to become world champions for the first time in 2026, they will need Doku to be at his very best.
The 24-year-old is now considered one of the very best wingers in world football after an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with Manchester City.
However, if Belgium go far in the competition, they could be without their star player when it matters most.
Jeremy Doku Announces Intention to Return Home
Jeremy Doku in action for Belgium vs Egypt at the 2026 World CupREUTERS/Albert Gea
Doku revealed earlier this week that his wife Shireen is expecting their first child together during the second week of July. If she gives birth when expected, that would coincide with the tournament’s quarter-final stage.
The Man City winger admitted that he intends to be with his wife to attend the birth of his child and would leave the Belgium camp if they are still in the tournament.
“It’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” Doku said, per Reuters.
“If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody 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."
Belgian media has claimed that a private plane to England, where the child is due to be born, would likely be arranged.
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TV Presenter Hits Out at Jeremy Doku
Jeremy Doku in Belgium training at the 2026 World CupIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Blake Dahlin
Doku's decision has not gone down well with L’Equipe channel presenter France Pierron. She said, per Manchester Evening News:
"You can't miss a World Cup... And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?
"You have the chance to participate in a World Cup, and there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place, but you're going to leave all that to go and witness the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the father is useless, he has a role as an extra."
After former boxer Brahim Asloum disagreed with her take, she added: "The midwife doesn't know how to do it? Meanwhile, you're going to waste 10 hours, you're going to get exhausted, you're going to have an emotional meltdown, you're going to be completely deflated by your World Cup."
She has now apologised in a post on social media. She wrote on her Instagram page: “I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange. These remarks commit only me and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that.”
Jeremy Doku to Miss Belgium vs Iran
Jeremy Doku in action for Belgium at the 2026 World CupREUTERS/Lee Smith
Belgium opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. Doku will miss their second match, against Iran, due to illness.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said, per ESPN: "He can't play, and so we'll be playing without him.I knew since [Friday] evening that he won't be playing.
"I don't want to get players to play if they're not medically up for the game. I can get players to play even if they're not 100 percent physically, but 100 percent medically is [more important]. But I'm absolutely 100 percent sure we'll be fine and we'll be winning tomorrow."
He added: "He was fine, and he managed to play against Egypt. But since then, well, there are ups and downs in life, and the medical staff decided to take things a little bit further and help him recover."
Belgium's final group game, against New Zealand, will take place on Friday, June 26.