For Jeremy Doku, family comes first.
The Manchester City winger recently hit the headlines after Channel L’Equipe France Pierron criticized him for his decision to prioritize the birth of his son over FIFA World Cup.
Here’s what happened:
Speaking to Reuters last week, Doku said he plans to withdraw from the World Cup when his wife, Shireen, goes into labour. “It’s my first child, so I want to be there,” she said. Responding, the French sports broadcaster criticized him, saying, “You have to realize that it is a unique opportunity to participate in the World Cup, it is an incredible joy. There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It may not happen again in your life. You are living a childhood dream, but you will go away from all your child, to attend the event of my birthday, if it is my birthday. Where the father is absolutely irrelevant.”
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Pierron received a lot of backlash for his comments against Doku. Following the response, France took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to apologize, explaining that he had been sharing personal views. “These remarks are just me and do not reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, hurt or injured some of you, and I am sorry for that,” he wrote.
I made a personal comment there, as part of a contradictory exchange. These opinions are my own and do not reflect a shared position.
I understand that they may have shocked, offended or hurt some of you, and I’m sorry.2/3
— ⭐France⭐ Pierron (@francepierron) June 20, 2026
Following Pierron’s apology, Channel L’Equipe also apologized and said that he will remain off air until the end of the current season of his show on July 3.
About Belgium vs. Egypt
Doku played 86 minutes in BelgiumThe opener drew 1-1 against Egypt in Group G, but was unavailable for the team’s match against Iran. His absence was explained as illness, while his wife Shireen is expected to give birth in July. However, she had flown to England for the birth of her son, Praise.
Will Doku join Belgium for the match against New Zealand?
Belgium released a statement, saying, “Jeremy will rejoin the squad on Tuesday evening in Seattle as preparations continue for the upcoming match against New Zealand.”
The match between Belgium and New Zealand will take place on June 26, 2026.
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