Jeremy Doku rejoins Belgium World Cup squad after birth of son, as commentator's remarks draw apology

Jeremy Doku returned to Belgium's World Cup squad late Tuesday, landing in Seattle after a 48-hour dash to London for the birth of his first child. The 24-year-old winger had been ruled out of Sunday's group stage match against Iran due to a respiratory infection, freeing him to travel.

“Back at base camp after the most important assist of his life.”

A whirlwind journey

Doku departed Los Angeles on Sunday morning, the day of the Iran match, on a flight to London after learning his wife's water had broken. The couple's son, named Praise, was born on Monday. Doku then made the nine-hour return flight, landing at Tacoma International Airport near Seattle around 8:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, after a two-and-a-half-hour delay. According to reports, he had spent roughly 20 hours in the air and covered 18,000 kilometres over two days.

Federation officials met Doku and helped him avoid waiting media, ushering him through a side exit to a waiting van. He was not present for the media-open portion of Tuesday's training but is expected to join full practice on Wednesday.

Controversy over a father's role

Doku's absence became a flashpoint after France Pierron, a commentator on the French show L'Équipe de Choc, questioned his decision to leave a World Cup for childbirth. During a Friday broadcast, she said childbirth is 'a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless,' and argued that players would 'kill' to be in his place at the tournament.

“When you have the chance to take part in a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place and you're going to leave all that to attend the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless, he has a walk-on role.”

The remarks drew swift backlash. French sports daily L'Équipe apologized on Saturday and stated Pierron's comments did not reflect its values. She was subsequently removed from the programme.

Team welcomes new father

In Seattle, Doku's teammates greeted him with smiles. Belgium captain Youri Tielemans and defender Arthur Theate both voiced support for the forward's decision to be present for the birth.

“I think having a child is the most beautiful thing in the world that you can have, and being there, it's more than normal as a dad, as a mom, obviously. Being there as a dad, for myself, I have three and it's memories you can't take back. So, yeah, very happy for him.”

“We are very happy to have him back. He's an important player, an important part of the group in terms of everything. So, I hope he can help us the best way for the next game.”

Doku shared his gratitude on social media, saying: 'Shireen and Praise are doing great, and my heart is full of gratitude. Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has given me. Thank you to the team for the support, now it's time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage.'

Decisive match ahead

Belgium, with two points from two draws, sit third in Group G and must beat New Zealand on Friday in Vancouver to secure a place in the knockout stage. Coach Rudi Garcia will likely have Doku available, barring any lingering effects of his illness or travel fatigue. Two other players, Brandon Mechele and Leandro Trossard, were absent from Tuesday's training for undisclosed reasons, adding pressure on the squad.