Jeremy Doku, Belgium and France Pierron
20 June 2026
Jeremy Doku faced criticism on French television after saying he would leave Belgium’s World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child if it clashed with the quarter-finals. Presenter France Pierron called the idea unacceptable.
Former boxer Brahim Asloum pushed back, arguing a child’s birth matters beyond football. Doku said Belgium’s federation understands player situations, while team-mate Brandon Mechele faces a similar family scenario later in the tournament with his own wife due soon.