Belgium Star Can Leave FIFA World Cup 2026

Belgium Star Faces Dilemma: World Cup or Family? Jeremy Doku, a standout player for the Belgium national football team, finds himself at the center of a heated debate as he contemplates leaving the FIFA World Cup 2026 midway. The reason? The birth of his first child, expected in the second week of July. This decision could see him absent if Belgium advances to the knockout stages. The Choice Between Family and Football Doku has been candid about his priorities, stating, "It's my first child, so I ‌would definitely want to be there. If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child." His decision, however, has not been universally well-received. Backlash from the Sports Community The controversy intensified when France Pierron, a presenter for L'Equipe channel, harshly criticized Doku's choice. She expressed disbelief that Doku would consider leaving such a prestigious tournament, labeling the birth of a child as a moment where the father is "completely useless." Her comments sparked a significant backlash, prompting her to issue an apology. Doku's Current Situation Adding to the drama, Doku will miss Belgium's crucial match against Iran due to illness. The Manchester City winger has been ruled out, having experienced breathing issues earlier in the week. This absence comes at a critical time for Belgium, currently ranked 10th in FIFA's world rankings. The team needs a win against Iran to bolster their chances of advancing after a surprising 1-1 draw against Egypt. What's Next for Belgium? Belgium's path in the World Cup remains uncertain. With Doku sidelined for the Iran match, the team must rely on its depth to secure a victory. The Red Devils will conclude their group-stage play against New Zealand, a match that could determine their future in the tournament. Balancing Career and Personal Life Doku's situation highlights a broader conversation about balancing professional commitments with personal life. While some criticize his willingness to leave the World Cup, others support his choice to prioritize family. This debate underscores the personal sacrifices athletes must sometimes make, even on the world stage. As the World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on Belgium to see how they navigate these challenges both on and off the field.