Jérémy Doku is back with Belgium for the crucial Friday, June 26 match against New Zealand after missing the team’s 0-0 draw with Iran as his son, Promise, was born in London. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said Doku trained only limitedly after not practicing for
On the day Belgium needed momentum most, one familiar presence returned to the squad. Jérémy Doku is back for Belgium’s crucial match against New Zealand on Friday, June 26, after stepping away from the team for a moment that had nothing to do with the tournament.
Doku missed Belgium’s 0-0 draw against Iran on Sunday, June 21, to be with his wife, Shireen Raymond, during the birth of their son, Promise, in London. His choice to leave camp during the World Cup drew criticism, but teammates publicly rallied behind him.
Belgian defender Brandon Mechele said: “Everybody is happy for him. it’s lovely news that he became a father. and that he was also present with his wife to help her.” Mechele added that the timing mattered on the pitch as well: “It gives a boost for him. but also for us that he’s back. that he can help the team.”.
Belgium and New Zealand both face pressure for different reasons, but the stakes look the same. The match is a must-win for both sides, and three points would be enough to lift either team into the round of 32.
Even with Doku returning, the situation is not simple. Belgium’s training disruption could shape his role in a game that could decide their tournament path. Garcia said Doku “did not train for seven days. and that’s not insignificant.” He also made clear what that likely means on the field: “We’re thrilled to have him back. but we understand that he’s probably not going to play for 90 minutes.”.
That uncertainty hangs over Belgium’s offensive challenge. In their 0-0 draw against Iran, Belgium managed 23 total shots with seven on target. In the opening match against Egypt. also a draw. Belgium recorded 15 total shots and three on target—and an Egypt own goal provided the equalizer. Across both games, no Belgian player found the back of the net.
Doku’s return could be the spark Belgium needs to turn opportunities into goals. Known for using immense speed and quick dribbling to create space on the outside. he can change how defenders have to set themselves from the first minutes. His time away from the team, however, could affect how much and how soon that impact shows up.
The numbers from Belgium’s World Cup so far point to why Doku matters: the team has created chances but has not converted. and they have not scored through a Belgian player in either match. With Doku back after an interruption that kept him away from training. Belgium is betting that one player’s edge can break a scoring drought—without rushing him past his readiness.
Doku has 44 caps for Belgium, scoring seven goals and assisting 16. He was also central to Belgium’s World Cup qualifying run, contributing five goals and two assists across the eight qualifying matches.
Belgium Jérémy Doku New Zealand World Cup Rudi Garcia Brandon Mechele Iran vs Belgium London birth Promise Shireen Raymond
So he missed a game for his kid? I mean respect but like… Belgium still needed points.
Wait, this says Belgium’s must win against New Zealand but also says Doku missed Iran because the baby was born in London?? So is the tournament in London or Belgium lol.
Kinda messed up timing though. If he trained “limitedly” for like a week, how is he supposed to be the difference maker? I’m guessing New Zealand still probably scores first.
Honestly I don’t get why people were criticizing him in the first place, family stuff is family stuff. But also coaches saying he probably won’t play much like… that sounds like he’ll be useless until later? Belgium has to win, not rotate.