Belgium winger Jeremy Doku says he wants to be at the birth of his first child in early July, even as Belgium’s World Cup run—starting against Egypt in Seattle—could still be going deep into the quarterfinal stage. He said the timing will decide, and he expect
When Belgium’s World Cup campaign kicks off in Seattle on Monday against Egypt, Jeremy Doku will be trying to do two things at once—focus on the tournament and prepare for his first child’s arrival back home.
The 24-year-old winger is due to become a father for the first time while the World Cup is still on. Belgian media reported that plans are already being discussed to allow him to leave the United States and return for the birth.
Doku told reporters that his wife, Shireen, is due in the second week of July. That date matters because, by then, the tournament would have reached the quarterfinal stage.
“It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” Doku said.
Then he added the kind of truth that lands hardest when it’s about something you can’t replace. “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.”
He said he believes the federation understands the situation and has the ability to help navigate it. “I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do,” he said.
Belgian media also said a private plane to England—where the child is due to be born—would likely be arranged. Doku plays his club football for Manchester City.
For Belgium. the dilemma isn’t just personal—it could intersect directly with the team’s most important stretch of the tournament. Doku is one of the key elements of the Belgium side. and his availability around that second week of July would hinge on whether Belgium are still involved when the moment arrives.
Defender Brandon Mechele faces a similar issue. His wife is due to give birth a week after Doku’s wife.
Jeremy Doku Belgium World Cup Seattle Egypt Shireen Doku Manchester City Brandon Mechele birth timing
So they’re just gonna let him bail mid tournament to fly home? Kinda ridiculous.
I get it’s his first kid but like… the World Cup is the biggest thing ever. If Belgium go far and he misses games, that’s gonna hurt them, sorry.
Wait when they say due early July, does that mean during the quarterfinals like next week? I saw somewhere he might not even need to leave if they can just do it on the plane? But then they said private plane to England so idk.
This is why sports should just be played after the baby boom lol. Also Seattle to England on a private plane sounds made up, like how do they even get permission/immigration for that timeline? federation “supports” them… sure. Meanwhile regular people can’t miss work for a week.