Belgium squad management under scrutiny as Doku returns from family leave
Jérémy Doku’s absence during the Iran match coincided with a defensive crisis, raising questions about roster depth and communication protocols ahead of the knockout stages.
Belgium’s national team has confirmed that forward Jérémy Doku has officially welcomed his first child, a son named Praise, following his departure from the World Cup camp in Seattle. The Manchester City player flew to London on Sunday to be present for the birth, a move that required specific medical arrangements to ensure his safety during travel. Team doctor Brahim Hacene stated that Doku had been receiving appropriate medication for several days prior to his departure, allowing him to travel without medical risk. He was accompanied by fellow team doctor Brecht De Coninck during the journey.
The decision to leave the camp meant Doku missed Belgium’s second group stage fixture against Iran, a match that ended in a 0-0 draw. The team had initially cited illness as the reason for his absence on Saturday, but the situation evolved as Doku had previously expressed his desire to attend the birth. Hacene noted that the medical staff had prepared for this potential departure to mitigate any health risks, though he declined to specify the nature of the medication involved. Doku is scheduled to return to the base camp on Tuesday evening.
Doku’s exit occurred at a critical juncture for the Belgian squad. During the match against Iran, defender Nathan Ngoy was issued a straight red card in the 66th minute for denying Mehdi Tahremi a goal-scoring opportunity. With the team reduced to 10 men, Belgium shifted to a defensive posture to secure the point. While Doku’s presence might have altered the tactical dynamics in the final third, the team’s broader struggles during the first two group stage games suggest that individual absences are part of a larger structural challenge.
The administration of the squad faced significant scrutiny from media figures regarding the handling of the situation. French outlet L’Equipe was forced to disavow comments made by presenter France Pierron, who criticized Doku’s priorities and referred to childbirth as a moment where the father is "completely useless." Pierron later issued an apology for the remarks, which drew widespread criticism. The incident highlights the intense pressure on players to prioritize team obligations over personal milestones, a tension that has become increasingly visible in modern football governance.
Belgium now turns its attention to its final group stage match against New Zealand on Friday. The team hopes that Doku’s return will bolster their attacking options as they seek to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. The upcoming fixture will serve as a test of whether the squad can overcome the defensive vulnerabilities exposed against Iran and the administrative complexities surrounding player welfare and media relations.
