Belgium international Jeremy Doku has scored his biggest win by becoming a father after being temporarily granted leave from the 2026 FIFA World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child in London.
Key Highlights:
- Jeremy Doku became a father after welcoming his first child, Praise.
- He left Belgium’s World Cup camp temporarily to attend the birth in London.
- The Belgian FA confirmed Doku, his partner, and the baby are doing well.
- He is expected to rejoin the team ahead of Belgium’s next match.
The Belgian Football Association confirmed on Monday that Doku and his partner welcomed a baby boy named Praise.
The player had been allowed to travel after consultations with team medical staff, following concerns over his fitness and an illness that had already ruled him out of Belgium’s previous match.
Team doctor Brahim Hacene said Doku received news that the birth was imminent shortly before the team’s last fixture, adding that he was cleared to fly without medical risk after receiving treatment in camp. He confirmed that “mother, father, and baby are all doing well.”
Doku, 24, is expected to rejoin the Belgian squad in Seattle ahead of their next World Cup match.
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The decision to permit his departure had generated debate in the build-up, with some commentators questioning whether players should prioritise personal milestones during major international tournaments.
The discussion intensified after a televised remark by a French sports presenter describing fathers as “useless” at childbirth, a comment that later drew widespread backlash and an official apology.
On the pitch, Belgium have made a mixed start to their World Cup campaign, drawing both of their opening matches as they continue their push for qualification to the knockout stages.
Doku, regarded as one of Belgium’s key attacking talents, is expected to be available for selection once he rejoins the squad.
