World Cup 2026: I don’t want to miss the birth of my child – Belgium player, Jeremy Doku

Belgium’s Jeremy Doku has disclosed that he would love to witness the birth of his first child while the FIFA World Cup 2026 is still ongoing.

The 24-year-old, a crucial player in Belgium’s attacking line-up, is preparing to open his World Cup journey against Egypt in Seattle on Monday. According to Reuters, Belgian media reported that contingency plans are being put in place to allow Doku to leave the United States and return home in time for the birth of his child if required.

Doku told reporters his wife Shireen is due in the second week of July, when the tournament has reached the quarterfinal stage, and if Belgium are still involved, he wants to be at the birth.

“It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” he said. “If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do,” he added.

Asked whether Belgium can win the World Cup for the first time, Doku said: “Everyone will say that we want to win this tournament, and I’m not going to be different. Everybody has that desire – to be the Belgium we used to show, and see how far we go. We know we’re not the favourites, but maybe that will work in our favour. 

We want to leave without any regrets – so that if we leave, we’ve given everything we have. Whatever is in my power, I’ll do it.”