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World Cup 2026: Jeremy Doku criticised over plan to leave Belgium camp for birth of child

Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has welcomed his first child. The player faced backlash for planning to leave the World Cup camp to be with his wife, Shireen. The Belgian soccer federation has since congratulated Doku on the birth of his son.

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What changed

Doku has now become a father following previous criticism of his plans to leave the tournament.

Live updates

  1. Jeremy Doku celebrates birth of son after World Cup absence criticism

    Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has welcomed his first child. The player faced backlash for planning to leave the World Cup camp to be with his wife, Shireen. The Belgian soccer federation has since congratulated Doku on the birth of his son.

    What's confirmed:

    • Jeremy Doku is a winger for Belgium and Manchester City.
    • Doku planned to leave the World Cup camp for the birth of his first child.
    • Doku's wife, Shireen, was due to give birth during the second week of July.
    • The Belgian soccer federation congratulated Doku on the birth of his son.
    • A French media organization apologized after a commentator criticized Doku's intention to leave the tournament.
    • Doku is out of the Belgium World Cup game against Iran.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Doku's decision to leave the World Cup sparked a fierce debate in France regarding family and professional commitments.
    • An L'Equipe journalist called out Doku's decision to leave the squad.
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