When Belgium’s Red Devils arrived in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the squad carried the hopes of a nation eager for a deep tournament run. Yet one story quickly eclipsed the on‑field tactics: 24‑year‑old winger Jeremy Doku announced he might fly home to witness the birth of his first child, prompting a firestorm of criticism and support that has reverberated across social media, sports talk shows, and diplomatic circles.
From Manchester City to the World Stage
Jeremy Doku, a product of the Belgian youth system and a rising star at Manchester City, earned his place in the World Cup squad after an impressive season in the Premier League, where he contributed nine goals and twelve assists. The Red Devils, coached by Roberto Martínez, entered the tournament as one of the pre‑tournament favorites, having reached the semi‑finals in 2018 and boasting a golden generation of talent.
In early July, Doku’s wife, Shireen, was slated to give birth during the competition’s second week – a period that coincides with the knockout phase. The midfielder publicly stated his intention to return to Belgium if his child’s arrival fell during the tournament, even if the team remained in contention for a quarter‑final or beyond. “It’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” he told Reuters, adding that he understood the “many other considerations” football entails.
The Backlash: National Pride Meets Personal Choice
The reaction was swift and polarized. French sports channel L’Équipe’s presenter France Pierron labeled the father‑to‑be “completely useless” for prioritising a birth over the World Cup, writing on the outlet’s Facebook page that “the World Cup is an incredible joy… you’re walking away from it all to attend the birth of your child – a disgusting moment.” Pierron’s comments echoed a broader sentiment among some fans who view the World Cup as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity that should trump personal events.
Belgian supporters were equally vocal, with several online forums accusing Doku of abandoning his teammates. A tweet from a self‑identified “Red Devil loyalist” read, “We fight for the nation; you can’t just jet off for a baby. #StayOrLeave.” The pressure intensified as Belgium’s upcoming group match against Canada loomed, raising questions about squad depth and whether Doku’s possible absence would force a tactical reshuffle.
Supporters Rally: A Human‑Centric Perspective
Contrasting the condemnation, a wave of empathy emerged from athletes and public figures worldwide. Retired French boxer Brahim Asloum, Olympic gold medalist in 2000, defended Doku, stating, “A baby is your entire life. A World Cup is… a professional commitment, but family is irreplaceable.” Similar sentiments were echoed by former Belgian midfielder Jan Vertonghen, who told Belgian radio that “players are humans first; we must respect their personal milestones.”
Social media hashtags such as #DokuForDad and #FamilyFirst trended in multiple countries, including Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom. Fans highlighted that other athletes, such as Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, have missed matches for personal reasons, arguing that the modern game should accommodate life events rather than force a binary choice.
FIFA, The Belgian FA, and Legal Obligations
FIFA’s tournament regulations grant national associations discretion to request player leave for “compassionate reasons,” but the final decision rests with the team’s medical and coaching staff. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) issued a brief statement confirming that “the federation supports its players and understands their situations,” yet declined to detail any formal request Doku may have submitted.
Legal experts note that the United States’ visa and travel restrictions for World Cup participants could complicate any mid‑tournament departure. An immigration lawyer familiar with sports visas explained that “players are issued a specific competition visa; leaving the bubble may require re‑entry clearance, which could be logistically challenging.” This adds a practical layer to the moral debate, as Doku would need to coordinate with both U.S. authorities and the RBFA to ensure eligibility upon his return.
Implications for Team Belgium
If Doku departs, Belgium would lose a versatile attacker capable of playing both wings and cutting inside to create scoring opportunities. Coach Martínez has relied on Doku’s pace to stretch defenses, especially against physically robust teams like the United States and Brazil. The Red Devils would likely turn to alternative options such as Zinho Vanheusden or even a tactical shift to a 4‑3‑3 formation without a dedicated winger.
However, the squad’s depth could mitigate the impact. Belgium’s bench includes seasoned forwards like Romelu Lukaku, who, despite age, still offers a physical presence. Analysts from Opta suggest that while Doku’s absence would reduce Belgium’s expected goals (xG) by approximately 0.12 per game, the team’s overall quality remains sufficient to progress to the later stages.
What Comes Next: A Test of Modern Football Values
The controversy surrounding Doku’s potential departure forces a broader conversation about how professional sport balances personal life with national representation. As the World Cup progresses, the RBFA’s final decision will set a precedent for future tournaments, where players increasingly demand flexibility for family events.
Regardless of the outcome, Doku’s case highlights an evolving player‑centred narrative. Whether he stays, leaves, or negotiates a compromise, the dialogue sparked across continents underscores that the sport’s biggest stages are now as much about human stories as they are about trophies.