Key Event

Manchester City and Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has stated that he intends to leave Belgium's 2026 World Cup squad to attend the birth of his first child, expected during the tournament's quarter-final stage in the second week of July. His comments have drawn criticism.

Statements

"It's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there."

Doku told reporters, acknowledging the decision involves football considerations and noting that the federation supports players in such situations.

France Pierron, a presenter on L'Equipe channel, criticized the decision, stating: "You are not going to cut an umbilical cord; you can't miss a World Cup." She later apologized, saying her comments were personal and may have caused offense.

Former boxer Brahim Asloum defended Doku: "A baby is your entire life. A World Cup is over when it is over."

Context

• Doku, 24, started in Belgium's opening World Cup match against Egypt on Monday, which ended 1-1. Belgium is scheduled to play Iran on Sunday and New Zealand on June 26.
• The Belgian FA announced on Saturday that Doku would miss the Iran game due to illness.
• Similar precedents include: Belgium teammate Brandon Mechele (wife due later in July), Kingsley Coman (left France camp twice for births), Phil Foden (left England camp at Euro 2024), and Ryan Gravenberch (missed Community Shield after becoming a father).
• In baseball, Shohei Ohtani took paternity leave from the Los Angeles Dodgers to attend the birth of his second child.