World Cup: Doku welcomes baby boy after controversial exit from Belgium camp

Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has become a father after temporarily leaving the Red Devils’ FIFA World Cup camp to be with his family, bringing a heartwarming conclusion to a story that sparked widespread debate across European football.

The Belgian Football Association confirmed on Monday that Doku and his wife have welcomed a baby boy named Praise, just days after the Manchester City star travelled to London ahead of Belgium’s World Cup clash against Iran.

According to the federation, the decision to allow Doku to leave the national team camp followed consultations with the team’s medical staff after it became clear that the birth of his first child was imminent.

“Jeremy received the news before yesterday’s match that the birth was imminent,” Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene explained.

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Doku had already been ruled out of the encounter due to illness and had been receiving medical treatment in the days leading up to the game.

“As he had already been receiving the appropriate medical treatment for several days, he was able to fly without any medical risk to be with his family during this very special moment,” Mr Hacene added.

The doctor also confirmed that both mother and child are in good health.

“Mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully.”

The 24-year-old is expected to rejoin the Belgian squad in Seattle today, Tuesday, as preparations continue for their decisive final Group G fixture against New Zealand.

Congratulations to Jeremy Doku and his family on the birth of their first son, Praise. 﫶 pic.twitter.com/ns7DNQz1am

, Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 22, 2026

Doku’s departure from camp became one of the most discussed stories surrounding Belgium’s World Cup campaign after the winger openly stated before the tournament that he hoped to be present for the birth of his first child if the timing coincided with the competition.

His stance attracted criticism from some quarters, particularly in France, as a presenter on L’Equipe TV questioned the decision, arguing that fathers were “useless” during childbirth and suggesting that hundreds of footballers would gladly sacrifice such an opportunity for the chance to participate in a FIFA World Cup.

The remarks immediately triggered a backlash on social media, with many fans, players and commentators defending Doku’s right to be with his family during one of the most significant moments of his personal life.

The controversy eventually forced L’Equipe to issue a public apology and distance itself from the comments, while the presenter was subsequently removed from her programme.

Despite his young age, Doku is regarded as one of the most influential players in Belgium’s new generation as the Red Devils attempt to build a fresh team following the decline of their celebrated “golden generation.”

Belgium’s previous core of stars, which included the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and Romelu Lukaku, failed to replicate their earlier successes at the 2022 World Cup, where age and declining form contributed to a disappointing group-stage exit.

The current squad is now tasked with leading Belgium into a new era, and Doku is considered one of the key figures in that transition.

The winger featured in Belgium’s opening match against Egypt but struggled to impose himself before being substituted.

He missed the team’s second fixture against Iran, a goalless draw in Los Angeles that drew sharp criticism from sections of the Belgian media, who described the performance as uninspiring and lacking creativity.

Despite failing to win either of their opening two matches, Belgium remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.

A victory over New Zealand in their final group game on Friday would guarantee progression to the Round of 32 and provide a significant boost to a team still searching for its best form at the tournament.

For Doku, however, the focus over the past few days has extended far beyond football, and while Belgium continue their pursuit of World Cup success, the winger has already celebrated one of the most important victories of his life: the arrival of his son, Praise.

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