Sports
Belgium’s Doku Welcomes First Child After World Cup Debate
Jeremy Doku has become a father after briefly leaving Belgium’s World Cup camp to be with his wife for the birth of their first child, a baby boy named Praise.
According to the Belgian football association, Doku was granted permission to travel to London after consultations with the team’s medical staff. The winger had already been ruled out of Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran due to illness.
Team doctor Brahim Hacene said Doku learned before the match that the birth was imminent and was medically fit to travel. He confirmed that mother, father and baby were all doing well.
The development comes days after Doku sparked debate by stating that he intended to leave the tournament to attend the birth of his first child if Belgium were still competing. His stance drew criticism from some commentators, including a presenter on French sports channel L’Equipe TV, who questioned whether fathers needed to be present during childbirth.
The remarks generated widespread backlash on social media, prompting an apology from L'Équipe. The broadcaster also distanced itself from the comments, while the presenter was removed from her programme.
Doku is expected to rejoin Belgium’s squad in Seattle on Tuesday. The 24-year-old featured in Belgium’s opening World Cup match against Egypt but was unable to make a significant impact before being substituted.
Belgium have drawn both of their Group H matches and remain in contention to reach the knockout phase. A victory over New Zealand in their final group game on Friday would secure progression to the last 32 as they continue their rebuilding process following the decline of their much-heralded “golden generation.”
