‘Completely useless’: Jérémy Doku criticised over plan to leave Belgium World Cup to attend birth of first child

The Manchester City winger says he wants to be present when his wife gives birth, but his decision has sparked debate in France as Belgium continue their World Cup campaignJérémy Doku's World Cup plans have become the subject of an unexpected debate after the Belgium winger revealed that he intends to leave the national team's camp if necessary to attend the birth of his first child.The 24-year-old Manchester City forward, one of Belgium's most influential attacking players, said earlier this week that his priority would be to be with his wife, Shireen, when she gives birth to their first child, even if Belgium remain involved in the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup.Shireen is expected to give birth during the second week of July, a period that coincides with the quarter-final stage of the tournament should Belgium progress that far.Doku's comments have prompted a wider discussion about the balance between professional obligations and family life, with support and criticism emerging from different corners of the football world.

Doku makes his position clear

Speaking to Reuters, Doku acknowledged the complexity of the situation but left little doubt about where his personal preference lies."It's my first child, so I ‌would ⁠definitely want to be there," Doku said."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."I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we can do."The Belgian Football Association is understood to be supportive of players dealing with important family matters, although no final decision would be required unless Belgium remain in the tournament when the birth takes place.

For Doku, the issue arrives during an important period of his international career.The winger has established himself as one of Belgium's key attacking weapons, earning 48 international caps and scoring seven goals for his country. His influence was particularly evident during Belgium's qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, where he made eight appearances, scored five goals and contributed three assists as the Red Devils secured their place in North America.His direct running, explosive acceleration and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations have made him one of the most dangerous wide players in European football and an important figure within Rudi Garcia's squad.

Television debate sparks backlash

While many supporters sympathised with Doku's position, his comments triggered strong criticism during a discussion on L'Équipe de Choc, a programme broadcast by French sports network L'Équipe.France Pierron, a prominent French sports journalist and television presenter who has spent more than 15 years working across L'Équipe's television coverage, argued that leaving a World Cup represented an opportunity too significant to abandon.

"The World Cup is an incredible joy," Pierron said."There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It might never happen again in your life."You're living out a childhood dream, yet you're going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child - a disgusting moment, if you'll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless."In the discussion reported during the programme, Pierron continued her criticism."You can't miss a World Cup. And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?The remarks quickly generated criticism online and became one of the most discussed football debates in France during the tournament.

Former Olympic champion defends Doku

Among those who strongly disagreed with Pierron's position was former boxer Brahim Asloum, who won light-flyweight gold for France at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and appeared alongside her during the discussion."What do you mean, we're useless?" Asloum responded. "Who's encouraging us?"As the debate continued, Pierron maintained her stance."The midwife doesn't know how to do it? Meanwhile, you're going to waste 10 hours, you're going to get exhausted, you're going to have an emotional meltdown, you're going to be completely deflated by your World Cup."Asloum remained unconvinced."A baby is your whole life," he replied. "You can win a World Cup or miss it, but once it's over, it's over."Pierron concluded the exchange by saying: "But Brahim, your baby will always be there."The discussion quickly spread beyond France, with many supporters and commentators arguing that attending the birth of a first child should not be viewed as incompatible with representing one's country at a major tournament.

Pierron later apologises

As criticism of her comments intensified, Pierron later issued a statement on her X account explaining her position and apologising to those who felt offended."I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange," she wrote.

"I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that.

"My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child."

The statement did little to end the wider discussion, which has continued alongside Belgium's World Cup campaign.

Illness sidelines Doku against Iran

The debate over Doku's future availability comes at a time when Belgium are already dealing with his absence for more immediate reasons.Belgium confirmed on Saturday that the winger would miss their second Group G match against Iran because of illness.According to Belgian outlet Sporza, Doku suffered a relapse of a respiratory infection, leading the coaching staff to rule him out of the fixture.

Belgium sporting director Vincent Mannaert explained the decision."It is better to let him rest now and then work towards the final group match against New Zealand."Doku made one appearance at the 2026 World Cup before his illness, playing 86 minutes in Belgium's opening 1-1 draw against Egypt.That appearance added to a World Cup record that currently spans two tournaments. He featured once at Qatar 2022, coming off the bench for 18 minutes during Belgium's goalless draw with Croatia, before making his first start at the 2026 finals against Egypt.Belgium opened this year's tournament with a 1-1 draw against Egypt and now face an important final group match against New Zealand as they pursue qualification for the knockout stages.Whether Doku ultimately leaves the tournament to witness the birth of his son remains uncertain and will depend on both Belgium's progress and the timing of the birth itself. What is already clear is that his comments have prompted a discussion extending well beyond football, touching on questions about family, fatherhood and what athletes should be willing to sacrifice, even at the sport's most prestigious event.