Jeremy Doku left the World Cup to welcome his son Praise
Belgium winger Jérémy Doku briefly left the 2026 World Cup in June to be at his wife Shireen's side in London for the birth of their son, Praise. With federation approval and medical clearance, jrmy doku missed Belgium's draw with Iran, then rejoined camp in Seattle as the Red Devils prepared for Spain in the quarter-finals.
Key Takeaways
- Doku flew from Belgium's Renton, Washington base to London after federation approval when son Praise was born in June 2026.
- His decision drew international criticism, but teammates including Youri Tielemans publicly backed his choice to be present.
- After Belgium's 4-1 win over the United States on July 6, Doku celebrated reaching the quarter-finals while crediting his faith.
- Despite limited starts, The Straits Times notes his pace and dribbling could offer Belgium an X-factor against Spain on July 10.
Who is Jeremy Doku's wife, Shireen?
At the center of the story is Shireen Doku, Jérémy's wife. Town & Country Magazine reports she was due to give birth in early July 2026—a window that could have overlapped with Belgium's knockout matches depending on results.
Before leaving camp, Doku told reporters on June 15: "No one wants to miss a birth. Moreover, it is my first child. But I also know that there is a lot involved in football." When the moment came earlier than expected, he prioritized being there.
Why did Doku leave the Belgium World Cup camp?
From Belgium's World Cup training base in Renton, Washington, Doku traveled to London with medical clearance after dealing with a minor respiratory illness. Team doctor Brahim Hacene said he "was able to fly without any medical risk" and was accompanied by a team physician.
He only missed Belgium's 0-0 draw against Iran. Praise was born in London, and Hacene confirmed "everything went perfectly, and the mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully." Doku later wrote on Instagram: "Shireen and Praise are doing great, and my heart is full of gratitude."
The decision sparked an international media storm. JubileeCast reports a French broadcaster called the move "outrageous," though England's Ollie Watkins publicly backed Doku's choice. Belgium welcomed him back with a caption reading, "Back in camp after the most important assist of his life."
How has faith shaped Doku's World Cup story?
JubileeCast notes Doku, baptized in September 2025, has been open about his faith throughout the tournament. He led an online Bible study with teammates before the World Cup began.
After Belgium's 4-1 victory over the United States on July 6 sent the team into the quarter-finals, he posted a squad celebration photo captioned with Psalms: "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises." He added: "Quarter-finals. Proud of the team. We keep believing, we keep fighting."
Can Doku still impact Belgium against Spain?
Per The Straits Times, Doku "has had the birth of his child to celebrate during the World Cup but little else to cheer having lost his spot in the Belgium side." The 24-year-old has started only three of Belgium's five games and was on the bench in the Round of 16 win over the U.S.
Yet his pace, dribbling, and ability to beat defenders make him a tactical option for coach Rudi Garcia against a Spanish defense that has not conceded at the tournament. Former international Marc Degryse predicted: "I think Doku will still explode at this tournament." Belgium faces Spain on Friday, July 10, in Los Angeles—with Doku hoping for his shot on the biggest stage.
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