Full Breakdown
Jeremy Doku’s World Cup Dilemma: Fatherhood vs Football
6/22/2026, 12:27:35 PM
Doku’s Planned Absence
Winger Jérémy Doku announced his wife Shireen is due in July, coinciding with the World Cup quarter-final stage, and he intends to travel home to attend the birth.
Background
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 24-year-old Manchester City forward Jérémy Doku has played 86 minutes in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt and remains a key attacker as Belgium sit second in Group G.
Timeline
15 June – Doku announced his plan; 19 June – L’Équipe presenter France Pierron called it “disgusting” and the father “useless.” 20 June – Pierron apologized on X. 21 June – Coach Rudi Garcia confirmed Doku’s omission from the Iran match due to a chest infection. 22-23 June – L’Équipe suspended Pierron and issued a statement distancing itself from the remarks.
Official Responses
Belgium’s federation said it supports players’ family circumstances while stressing cohesion, and Coach Garcia cited medical reasons for Doku’s absence. Sporting director Vincent Mannaert said the rest was intended to preserve his availability for matches. L’Équipe disavowed Pierron’s comments as contrary to its values. Pierron’s apology stressed the remarks were personal and expressed regret.
Criticism
France Pierron argued that a World Cup appearance is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and called a father’s role at a birth “useless,” describing Doku’s decision “disgusting” and the father “just an extra.”
Support
Ollie Watkins said “it only happens once, your first child,” calling birth a blessing; Brahim Asloum added “a baby is your whole life.” Leo Ostigard noted birth experience shows events can coexist with duties.
Conflicts
Media differ on whether Pierron’s suspension was formally enacted. Doku’s absence from the Iran match is officially linked to a chest infection, yet his earlier statements suggested a voluntary leave for the birth, leaving timing unclear. No confirmed private-jet schedule has been disclosed.
Quotes
- “I’m sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo.” — France Pierron, L’Équipe presenter
- “It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there.” — Jérémy Doku, Belgium winger
- “It only happens once, your first child. Welcoming them into the world is a blessing, and you don’t get that opportunity again.” — Ollie Watkins, England striker
- “The team disassociates itself from these remarks which are very far removed from the Group’s values and apologizes to the footballer concerned and more generally to its fans.” — L’Équipe official statement
Future
If Belgium advance, the federation is expected to arrange a rapid return, possibly via private jet, allowing Doku to rejoin for later knockout matches. The episode continues to fuel debate over parental rights versus tournament commitments.
