Khaberni - Belgian national team player Jeremy Doku, currently participating in the 2026 World Cup, received harsh criticism from journalist France Peron on the French channel "L'Equipe" due to his desire to leave America and attend his child's birth, with Peron stating: Are you going to leave your national team and go to cut the umbilical cord?.
Manchester City player's wife is expected to give birth in the second week of July, which coincides with the World Cup reaching the quarterfinals, while Doku said last week that he wants to leave the United States and attend the birth of his first child, adding: The federation supports the players and understands their circumstances, so we will see what can be done.
Journalist France Peron criticized Doku's decision and stated on "L'Equipe": Doku has no option but to stay. There are hundreds of players who dream of participating in the World Cup. This is an experience that might not happen again in your life.
She concluded: You are living your childhood dream, yet you are going to leave it to attend the birth of your child, are you going to leave your national team and go to cut the umbilical cord?.
Belgium drew with Egypt 1-1 in the first round, while they will face Iran in the second round of the group stages at the World Cup 2026.
