Belgium's Doku becomes father after World Cup controversy
The Belgian winger was cleared to fly after medical treatment and will rejoin the squad Tuesday, as Belgium said mother, father and baby are doing well.
- On Monday, Belgium winger Jeremy Doku returned to London from the World Cup after his wife gave birth to a son named Praise, the Belgian football federation confirmed.
- Doku had missed Sunday's 1-1 draw against Iran in Los Angeles after coach Rudi Garcia ruled him out due to illness, though medical staff cleared him to travel.
- French TV presenter France Pierron faced backlash after calling Doku's plan a "disgusting moment," but she later apologized while Equipe distanced itself from her remarks.
- Team doctor Brahim Hacene confirmed Doku "was able to fly without medical risk" and stated the family is doing well, with the player rejoining the squad Tuesday in Seattle.
- Belgium, having drawn their opening two World Cup matches, prepares for their final Group fixture against New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday seeking to secure progression.
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84 Articles
Reporter Responds To Backlash After Criticizing Soccer Star Who Left World Cup To Attend 'Disgusting' Birth Of His Child
French media outlet L’Équipe issued an apology to Belgian national team footballer Jérémy Doku after he was criticized by one of its on-air personalities for his plan to leave the World Cup to be present at the birth of his first child.Doku had told the press a week prior:"It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there. If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of…
Forced to temporarily leave the Belgian camp to attend the birth of his first child in London, Jérémy Doku found the Red Devils in Seattle and is now applying for the next Cup game...
Doku returns to the Belgian team after travelling to London for paternity
While France Pierron was suspended from L'Equipe's antenna after his statements about Jérémy Doku, the footballer, just emerged from the silence. Become a dad for the first time, he wanted to thank all those who supported him.
Discover the latest news, results, and updates regarding the Red Devils during the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States in this live blog. After two draws against Egypt and Iran, it is all or nothing against New Zealand on Saturday morning at 5:00 AM Belgian time.
By ANDREW DESTIN RENTON, Washington, USA (AP) — Belgian striker Jérémy Doku planned to return to the World Cup training center on Tuesday after the birth of his first child, a boy named Praise. Doku lost Sunday's 0-0 draw to Iran due to respiratory illness, but was discharged from the [...]
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