Belgium's Doku ready to miss World Cup match for birth of his first child, igniting fatherhood debate
Belgian winger Jérémy Doku is prepared to leave the 2026 World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child, drawing sharp criticism from a French journalist and opening a debate about work, fatherhood and elite sport.
The situation
Jérémy Doku, the 24-year-old Belgium and Manchester City winger, told reporters before the World Cup opener against Egypt that he intends to be at the birth of his first child even if it means leaving the tournament. His wife Shireen Erin Lyannda Raymond is due in the second week of July, which falls during the knockout stage.
No father would want to miss that. I know that the federation is aware and we will see what we can do.
Belgian media report the federation is ready to provide a private jet for a transatlantic trip if the baby arrives, while Doku is also grappling with a pulmonary infection that will rule him out of the group-stage match against Iran in Los Angeles. He has started antibiotics in hopes of returning for the final group fixture against New Zealand on 27 June.
The controversy
On 19 June, France Pierron, a presenter on the French channel L'Équipe, denounced Doku's stance in on-air remarks that were swiftly picked up by multiple outlets. She argued that a World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that a father's presence at a birth is trivial.
When you are lucky enough to appear at a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place. I'm sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo.
Her words triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many users defending Doku's desire to prioritise family. Belgian commentators had already weighed in; former international Gert Verheyen joked Doku would be a "spare wheel" at the delivery, while one of Doku's old youth coaches, Peter Janssens, said that once a player chooses the World Cup the baby "will still be there afterwards."
Apology and backlash
Pierron issued a statement on Instagram on Saturday 20 June, clarifying that her outburst represented a personal view and apologising for any offence caused.
These remarks are my own and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, upset or hurt some of you, and I apologise.
She added that it was never her intention to minimise the role of fathers. On the set of "L'Équipe de choc," other panellists, including Olympic boxing champion Brahim Asloum and commentator Yoann Riou, pushed back against her characterisation, arguing that a child's birth is the most important moment in a couple's life.
Team and tournament context
Doku is not alone in facing this dilemma. Teammate Brandon Mechele is also expecting a child later in July and has said that leaving the camp for the birth is an option. Belgium opened Group G with a 1-1 draw against Egypt and play Iran on 21 June before meeting New Zealand, needing results to secure progression.
- Belgium open Group G with 1-1 draw against Egypt; Doku plays.
- France Pierron criticises Doku's intention to leave the World Cup on L'Équipe.
- Pierron apologises on Instagram; Doku's lung infection confirmed, ruling him out of Iran match.
- Belgium vs Iran in Los Angeles (21:00 local time). Doku misses the game.
- Final group match vs New Zealand (05:00). Doku aims to return if antibiotics work.
- Expected due date for Doku's first child. Belgium could be in the round of 16 or quarter-finals.
A wider conversation
The episode has travelled well beyond sport. Belgian newspaper De Morgen ran the front-page headline "Generations clash over Doku's dilemma," and the debate exposed a fault line between older, career-centred expectations and a younger generation's insistence on being present for family milestones. The New York Times editorialised that Doku's wish should be "the end of it," while Belgian and French commentators continued to argue whether the World Cup's demands can accommodate the most personal of events.
