Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has joined the national squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a brief trip to England for the birth of his first child. The forward was given a warm reception by his compatriots upon checking back into the team’s base camp in Washington on Wednesday.
The Belgian Football Association marked the occasion by publishing a video on Instagram capturing the squad members hugging Doku as he arrived. The social media upload was accompanied by the caption, “Back in camp after the most important assist of his life.”
Belgium star Doku and his wife, Shireen, celebrated the arrival of their newborn son, named Praise, on Monday. The 24-year-old had been granted temporary leave from the tournament camp to attend the delivery, a move that triggered discussions in some football circles but received overwhelming backing from his colleagues and fans.
Expressing his joy on Instagram, the Manchester City attacker characterised the milestone as a transformative event in his life.
Back in camp after the most important assist of his life. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kEUzwWxjK9
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 24, 2026
“Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me,” Doku wrote. “Now it’s time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage.”
Selection headaches for Rudi Garcia ahead of New Zealand match
Head coach Rudi Garcia is now faced with a tactical choice regarding whether to immediately bring the explosive winger back into his starting eleven. The attacker is a prime candidate to step in for Alexis Saelemaekers on the wing, with Dodi Lukebakio providing another alternative.
Garcia is anticipated to stick with core attacking players Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, and Romelu Lukaku as the team targets a crucial victory to secure a spot in the knockout phase.
However, the manager will have to alter his defensive line due to the suspension of centre-back Nathan Ngoy, who picked up a red card during the second half of the match against Iran.
With Doku’s return finalised and Belgium’s World Cup future dependent on the next fixture against New Zealand, Garcia’s bench options have been bolstered before one of the World Cup’s most important matches for the ‘Red Devils’.
(With ANI inputs)
