Jeremy Doku reveals emergency hospitalisation during 2026 World Cup after severe respiratory infection

Jeremy Doku has for the first time publicly disclosed that a severe respiratory infection forced him into an emergency hospital visit during the 2026 World Cup in the United States. The Belgian winger, who plays for Manchester City, posted a video on his Instagram account on Friday that sheds new light on his subdued performances at the tournament. The video explains that Doku's condition was far more serious than was known at the time, and that it led to him missing Belgium's second group-stage match against Iran, which ended in a goalless draw.

The hospital emergency

Doku describes his ordeal in stark terms in the Instagram clip. The infection, a respiratory tract infection, caused pain so intense he had to seek emergency care.

I had never felt such pain in my life. I could not move and I wanted to cry. It was one in the morning when I had to go to the emergency room.

Until Friday, the full gravity of his sickness had not been made public. The revelation fills a gap in the narrative of Belgium's tournament.

A difficult tournament and a coach's praise

Before the World Cup, Doku was widely seen as one of the team's potential stars. In warm-up matches against Croatia and Tunisia he produced eye-catching performances. Rudi Garcia, Belgium's head coach at the time (he has since been dismissed), called Doku the team's "X-factor" and expressed surprise that the winger had gone nearly two years without scoring for the national team. At the finals, however, Doku failed to reach his usual level in the matches he did play. The newly disclosed illness provides a likely explanation for that dip.

The birth of son Praise

Amid the medical drama, Doku also experienced a personal high point: the birth of his son, Praise. His wife Shireen was admitted to a London hospital for the delivery. Doku rushed back from the tournament to be present. He recalled waking up to the news that her water had broken, and that his immediate thought was to see his child. He was able to hold the newborn.

The Lord used this situation so that I could be with them. I want to become the best father I can be.

The emotional rollercoaster forms part of a longer video that will be published on Doku's YouTube channel on Sunday, offering fans a more intimate glimpse into his private life.

What was hidden during the tournament

During the World Cup, Belgium's medical staff had indicated only a minor issue. Doku's absence from the Iran game and his muted showings in other matches left many questions unanswered. Friday's Instagram post finally supplies the missing piece, making clear that the health episode was more serious than anyone outside the camp had realised.