The group stage of the 2026 football World Cup is almost over, with the matches, goals and team standings filling the front pages of media outlets around the world.

However, the 2026 World Cup is not just about sports news. Recently, Jeremy Doku, a Belgian winger playing in the UK with Manchester City, made headlines when he temporarily left the national team to be present at the birth of his first child in London. The name of the boy is Praise.

The Christian footballer told reporters that his wife Shireen was due to give birth during the second week of July, and if Belgium were still in the World Cup by then, he hoped to go home for the birth.

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“If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations”, Doku told news agency Reuters.

The birth came earlier than expected, and the Belgian player travelled to London “with the approval of and accompanied by one of our team doctors”, informed the Belgian team.

They also stressed that “Jeremy will rejoin the squad in Seattle as preparations continue for next match against New Zealand”.

France Pierron: “The father is useless”

The Belgian winger's decision drew some criticism. The strongest came from France Pierron, a presenter on French television channel L’Equipe.

"When you are lucky enough to appear at a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place. It's a unique moment, a childhood dream come true. And you're going to walk away from that to be at the birth of your child?”, said Pierron. She described childbirth as “a disgusting moment”, where “the father is useless, he just holds your hand and takes a photo”.

“You are going to take a 10-hour flight, exhaust yourself, go through the wringer emotionally How can you return to play after that? The baby will always be there”, concluded Pierron.

A day later, the presenter apologised in a statement on her social media, stating that her “intention has never been to minimize the place or role of fathers (...) I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that”, she added.

L’Equipe responded, saying the channel “disassociates itself from these remarks” which were “very far removed from the group’s values”.

Despite the criticism, many also supported Doku's decision, including the captain of the Belgian team, Youri Tielemans. "Being there is more than normal as a dad", said the midfielder during a press conference.

 

 

 

 

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Una publicación compartida de Sky Sports (@skysports)

“The most important assist of his life”

The Belgian soccer federation congratulated Doku on the birth of his son and confirmed that “everything went perfectly, and the mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully”.

When the footballer returned to the team hotel, they posted a video on social media, of all his teamates congatulating him, with the caption: “Back in camp after the most important assist of his life”.

Back in camp after the most important assist of his life. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kEUzwWxjK9

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 24, 2026

“One of the greatest blessing God has ever given me”

Doku thanked “everyone for the love, prayers and kind messages over the past few days”, on social media.

He pointed out that his wife Shireen and his son Praise “are doing great”, and “my heart is full of gratitude”.

“Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me”, underlined the winger, quoting James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above”.

Doku also thanked the team for their support, and stressed that “now it's time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage”.