Belgium Star Jérémy Doku Misses World Cup Match Due to Illness
Belgian winger Jérémy Doku was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup group-stage match against Iran due to a respiratory infection. The Manchester City player, who had a subdued performance in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt, also faced a “babygate” controversy over potentially leaving for his son’s birth. The injury is not considered serious, but his absence is a significant blow as Belgium seeks to advance from the group.
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Doku returns to training after son's birth
Belgian winger Jérémy Doku returned to the United States and rejoined his national team's training camp after a two-day trip to London to witness the birth of his first child. The Manchester City star expressed gratitude, stating his son Praise and partner Shireen are doing well. The Belgian national team's social media celebrated his return, calling it 'the best assist of his life.' Doku emphasized his eagerness to now focus on representing Belgium on the international stage.
Record2026 World Cup: Jeremy Doku Returns to Belgium Squad After Birth of First Child
Jeremy Doku, Manchester City winger and Belgium forward, rejoined his national team at their Seattle base on June 22, 2026, after a round trip to London to attend the birth of his first son, Praise. He had missed Belgium's match against Iran (1-1) after flying urgently to be with his partner. His return was met with applause and support from teammates. Doku's decision to temporarily leave the World Cup squad had sparked controversy, particularly after comments by French journalist France Pierron, which led to her being sidelined by L'Equipe. Doku thanked his team for their support and said it was time to focus on football. He is expected to train on Wednesday and is a candidate for Belgium's third group match against New Zealand on Saturday. The article also notes Doku may need to recover from the emotional and physical demands of the transatlantic trip as well as respiratory issues that affected his early World Cup performance.
Home Football - actualitésJeremy Doku Returns to Belgium Camp After Birth of Child Ahead of Decisive World Cup Match Against New Zealand
Belgium national team winger Jeremy Doku has rejoined the team's base camp in Seattle after traveling to London to attend the birth of his first child, named Praise. Doku was granted permission by the Royal Belgian Football Association and was accompanied by a team doctor. He is an undisputed starter in coach Rudi García's system and is expected to be available for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match against New Zealand on Friday. Belgium must win this match to secure advancement to the next round without relying on the result of the other group game between Iran and Egypt. Doku had previously missed Belgium's match against Iran due to illness. A video released on Belgium's official channels shows his arrival at the team hotel and congratulations from teammates.
FútbolJeremy Doku Returns to World Cup After Son's Birth Amid Belgium's Offensive Struggles
Belgian winger Jérémy Doku is set to return to the 2026 World Cup after missing Belgium's 0-0 draw against Iran due to respiratory issues and a trip to London to attend the birth of his first child, a son named Praise. Doku announced his return via Instagram, expressing gratitude and stating it was time to get back to football. Belgium, coached by Rudi Garcia, currently has two points from two matches (draws against Egypt and Iran) and faces a must-win match against New Zealand to advance to the Round of 16. The team has struggled offensively, scoring only one goal from 10 shots on target. Doku's return is seen as crucial for improving Belgium's attacking efficiency. The article also notes that an Egypt win against Iran could boost Belgium's chances of finishing first in the group.
Home Football - actualitésAfter Son's Birth, Jeremy Doku Returns to Belgium World Cup Squad
Belgium and Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku has announced his return to the Belgian national team for the 2026 World Cup, following a brief leave to attend the birth of his first child. Doku missed Belgium's previous match against Iran (0-0) after returning to his home country when his wife Shireen gave birth to a son named Praise. In a social media post, Doku expressed gratitude for the support he received and declared, 'Now it's time to return to football and represent my country on the biggest stage.' He is expected to play in Belgium's crucial Group G match against New Zealand on Saturday. The Red Devils currently have only two points from two matches and need a victory to finish in the top two of the group and advance in the tournament.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu2026 World Cup: Jérémy Doku to Return to Belgian Team Against New Zealand After Son's Birth
Belgian winger Jérémy Doku (24) will rejoin the national team in Seattle on Tuesday evening after leaving the squad to be present for the birth of his son, Praise. Doku, who had been ruled out of the 0-0 draw against Iran due to a respiratory infection, flew to London with the consent of the Belgian federation and teammates. His absence sparked public debate, but he is now set to return in time for Belgium's final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against New Zealand, scheduled for early Saturday morning French time (Friday evening in the United States). The match is critical for Belgium, who have drawn their first two games and face pressure to advance.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertJérémy Doku's Partner Gives Birth to Son During World Cup
Belgian winger Jérémy Doku and his partner welcomed their first child, a son named Praise, on Monday. Doku, 24, received permission from the Belgian Football Federation to travel to London during the World Cup to attend the birth and also to treat a respiratory issue. As a result, he missed Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran on Sunday evening. According to RTBF, Doku is expected to return to the Red Devils' base camp in Seattle on Tuesday.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuDoku's Team Denies Wife's Childbirth Caused World Cup Absence, Cites Respiratory Illness
According to media outlet RTL, Jérémy Doku's team has denied any connection between his absence from Belgium's second group-stage match of the World Cup and his wife's impending childbirth. Sources close to the player revealed that the winger is currently suffering from a respiratory illness. The Belgian international is said to be 'sad and frustrated' by the controversy surrounding his absence.
虎扑 - 足球Jérémy Doku's Entourage Denies Controversial Rumor About World Cup Absence
Jérémy Doku, Manchester City and Belgium winger, will miss the World Cup match against Iran at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles due to a respiratory infection. His absence sparked rumors that he was skipping the game to attend the birth of his son. In response, Doku's entourage broke their silence to categorically deny this information. They stated that the 24-year-old is following the ensuing controversy with 'sadness and disappointment'. Journalist France Pierron had previously made a bold statement that fueled the rumors. The article clarifies the reason for Doku's absence is medical, not personal.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertBelgium Winger Jeremy Doku Out of World Cup Match vs Iran Due to Illness
Belgium winger Jeremy Doku will miss the World Cup group-stage match against Iran on June 21, 2026, due to illness. The Manchester City player was ruled out by coach Rudi Garcia after reportedly struggling with a respiratory problem for at least two weeks. Doku started Belgium's opening 1-1 draw with Egypt but left practice early due to breathing issues. Coach Garcia emphasized medical readiness over physical condition and expressed confidence in winning without Doku. Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's career goals leader, is likely to remain a substitute due to a persistent hamstring injury. Belgium needs a strong result against Iran to stay on track for group-stage advancement, with potential knockout matches against the US co-host if results align.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Belgium's Jérémy Doku Ruled Out of World Cup Match Against Iran Due to Respiratory Problems
Belgian national team winger Jérémy Doku will miss the 2026 World Cup group stage match against Iran on Sunday due to respiratory issues, according to an announcement by the Belgian federation. Doku, 24, had previously indicated he might temporarily leave the tournament to attend the birth of his first child, expected during the World Cup. However, his absence against Iran is solely due to illness. Coach Rudi Garcia acknowledged after Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt that Doku had been affected by the respiratory problem, which explained his unusually poor performance (zero successful dribbles, limited impact). The player is also at the center of a 'babygate' controversy over potentially returning to Belgium for his wife Shireen's delivery, with the federation exploring a private jet trip between Seattle and London to allow a quick turnaround.
Home Football - actualités2026 World Cup: Belgium's Jérémy Doku Ruled Out of Iran Match Due to Illness
Belgian national team winger Jérémy Doku has been ruled out of their second 2026 World Cup group stage match against Iran, scheduled for Sunday at 9:00 PM. The Manchester City player has been suffering from a respiratory infection for several days and has not recovered sufficiently to play, as announced by the Belgian Red Devils on social media. The Belgian coaching staff has decided to rest Doku, despite his teammates counting on him to energize the wing. The article also notes previous rumors that Doku might miss a match to attend the birth of his son, which had sparked controversy. Doku could potentially return for the final group stage match against New Zealand. The source is Foot Mercato, a French football news outlet, and the report is dated June 20, 2026.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertBelgium Winger Jeremy Doku Out of World Cup Match Against Iran Due to Illness
Belgium's national team has confirmed that winger Jeremy Doku will miss their second-round World Cup match against Iran on Sunday due to an unspecified illness. The Manchester City player, described as one of the team's most powerful offensive assets under coach Rudi Garcia, was ruled out without further details from the Belgian camp. Doku had a subdued performance in the opening round's 1-1 draw against Egypt, where he was well-covered by opponents. His absence is a significant blow for Belgium as they prepare for a crucial group-stage encounter.
FútbolBelgium Faces Minor Injury Scare for Jérémy Doku Ahead of World Cup
Belgium's national football team, the Red Devils, experienced a minor injury scare involving key winger Jérémy Doku. According to Belgian press reports, the 24-year-old Manchester City player had to cut short a training session in Seattle after feeling muscle discomfort. The incident occurred just days before the start of the upcoming World Cup. However, reports from HLN indicate that the injury is not serious, and it was more fear than harm. Doku, considered Belgium's number one offensive asset after a full season at Manchester City, is expected to resume training with the group in the coming days and remain available for the tournament. The article was published by Foot Mercato on June 10, 2026.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot Transfert