Doku Returns to World Cup Duty After Son's Birth
Jeremy Doku has rejoined the Belgium squad at the 2026 World Cup after a brief absence to attend the birth of his first child in England. The Manchester City winger missed Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran on 18 June but has now returned to Seattle ahead of the team’s crucial Group G fixture against New Zealand on 25 June.
Doku, 24, was initially reported to be ill, but the Belgian federation later confirmed he had travelled to London with the team doctor’s approval to be with his wife Shireen for the arrival of their son, Praise. “With the approval of and accompanied by one of our team doctors, Jeremy travelled to London to be with his wife for this unique occasion,” a Belgium statement read. “Jeremy will rejoin the squad on Tuesday evening in Seattle as preparations continue for the next match against New Zealand.”
Controversy Erupts Over Paternity Leave Comments
The decision to allow Doku to leave camp sparked debate after L’Equipe channel presenter France Pierron criticised the player, claiming a father is “completely useless” during childbirth and describing the moment as “disgusting”. Her remarks drew widespread condemnation, prompting an apology from L’Equipe, which said the comments were “very far removed” from its values. Pierron has also apologised and will remain off-air until the end of her show’s current season on 3 July.
The backlash was swift, with many across football and beyond defending Doku’s choice. The incident has ignited a broader conversation about paternity leave in men’s football, a topic with little formal regulation and often left to individual clubs and national teams to handle.
Football World Unites in Support of Doku’s Decision
Ollie Watkins, the England striker who has two children, voiced his backing. “I think someone labelled it disgusting and I think for a start that’s not a way to label a birth,” Watkins said. “I’ve seen what my wife had to go through and that was quite smooth sailing but I know family members and friends that haven’t had it that way. It only happens once – welcoming your first child to the world – and it is a blessing. There’s a lot of times where you’re away from family and friends during the season and it’s very difficult, so to miss that would be tough and I see where he’s coming from.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) also stressed the need for player welfare. “While every situation is different, we believe players should be supported in balancing their professional responsibilities with important life events,” a PFA spokesperson said. “Supporting players as people, not just athletes, is an important part of creating a healthy professional working environment.”
The Fatherhood Institute, which promotes hands-on fatherhood, drew a historical parallel. “It makes me think of gladiators in the Colosseum,” deputy chief executive Jeremy Davies told BBC Sport. “We want these men to be these heroic figures who exist for our entertainment. They get paid lots of money but there are some things that are worth a lot more.”
Quick Facts
Player: Jeremy Doku
Age: 24
Club: Manchester City
National team: Belgium
Event: Birth of first child, Praise
World Cup matches missed: Belgium 0-0 Iran (Group G)
Next match: Belgium vs New Zealand, 25 June, Seattle
Key Takeaways
- Jeremy Doku has returned to Belgium’s World Cup camp after attending the birth of his son in London.
- His absence led to unfair criticism from a French presenter, but the football community rallied in support.
- FIFA regulations mandate maternity leave but offer no specific paternity leave, leaving decisions to national teams.
- The PFA and Fatherhood Institute emphasised that players deserve to be present for key family moments.
- Belgium’s handling of Doku’s case sets a compassionate precedent in a high-pressure tournament environment.
