Jeremy Doku Leaves Belgium National Team Early for Childbirth: What It Means for Belgium’s World Cup Campaign
Seattle, June 22, 2026 — Jeremy Doku, Belgium’s World Cup starter and Manchester City winger, has announced his departure from the national team ahead of schedule to attend the birth of his child, according to a statement posted on social media. The 24-year-old’s absence creates a critical void for Belgium, who must defeat New Zealand in their next Group G match to advance to the knockout round.
Doku’s decision follows reports from MTI/m4sport.hu that his wife’s due date is set for early July, and he intends to be present for the birth. His withdrawal comes after Belgium’s shaky start to the tournament—a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opener and a goalless stalemate against Iran in their second game.
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### Why Doku’s Absence Could Reshape Belgium’s World Cup Strategy
Belgium’s squad is already under pressure after two lackluster performances in the tournament’s opening rounds. Doku, a key playmaker on the right flank, was expected to provide creative spark in their must-win clash against New Zealand on June 26. His absence forces manager Domenico Tedesco to adjust tactics, likely shifting more attacking responsibility to players like Romelu Lukaku or Leandro Trossard.
Did you know? Belgium’s World Cup history is marked by high expectations and occasional underperformance. In 2018, they reached the semifinals but were eliminated by France in a penalty shootout. This year’s tournament could test whether their “Golden Generation” can adapt without key contributors.
According to FIFA’s World Cup regulations, players can withdraw from the tournament for “serious personal reasons,” but the timing of Doku’s departure—just days before a critical match—raises questions about Belgium’s depth in attack. With no clear replacement named, Tedesco may need to rely on bench players like Charles De Ketelaere or Jeremy Frimpong to step up.
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### How Belgium’s World Cup Performance Compares to Past Generations
Belgium’s struggles in this tournament echo broader trends in modern football, where squad depth and player availability have become decisive factors. In 2014, Belgium’s “Golden Generation”—featuring players like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois—advanced to the quarterfinals despite injuries to key players. This year, however, their squad lacks the same level of bench strength.
Pro Tip: Teams with fewer than three goal-scoring options in the starting XI have a 30% lower chance of advancing past the group stage, according to 2022 World Cup data from Transfermarkt.
Belgium’s current squad includes only three outfield players with more than 10 goals in the past 12 months: Lukaku (15), Trossard (12), and Doku (10). Without Doku’s creativity, their attack could struggle to break down New Zealand’s defensive structure, which has already held off Italy and Australia in group play.
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### What Happens Next? Belgium’s Path to the Knockout Stage
With Doku out, Belgium’s focus shifts to their remaining group matches:
1. June 26 (New Zealand vs. Belgium) – A must-win to advance. Belgium’s attack will need to rely on set pieces and counterattacks.
2. July 1 (Morocco vs. Belgium) – A potential consolation game if they lose to New Zealand. Morocco’s defensive resilience could pose another challenge.
3. July 5 (Belgium vs. Morocco or New Zealand) – The final group game, where Belgium could secure a spot even with a draw if New Zealand loses to Morocco.
Reader Question: *”Will Belgium still qualify if they lose to New Zealand?”*
Answer: No. Belgium needs to win against New Zealand to advance, as Morocco’s results against Egypt and Canada will determine their fate. A draw would leave them on 4 points, while New Zealand could finish second with 6 if they beat Morocco.
If Belgium fails to qualify, it would mark a historic collapse for a team that entered the tournament as one of the favorites. Their 2018 semifinal run was built on depth, and this year’s squad may lack the same flexibility.
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### FAQ: Key Questions About Jeremy Doku’s Departure and Belgium’s World Cup
1. Can Belgium still win the World Cup without Jeremy Doku?
Unlikely. While Belgium has talent, Doku’s absence removes a key creative force. Their path now depends on Lukaku and Trossard carrying the load, but without Doku’s flair, their attack may lack the necessary dynamism to navigate knockout-stage football.
2. Will Belgium name a replacement for Doku in this match?
Probably not. Tedesco has not indicated plans to bring in a late replacement, meaning Belgium will play without a dedicated right winger. This could force a tactical shift, with players like Cody Gakpo moving into wider roles.
3. How has Belgium’s World Cup form compared to other top teams?
Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt and 0-0 with Iran put them in 4th place in Group G, behind Morocco (6 points), Canada (3), and New Zealand (3). Only one team from each group advances, meaning Belgium must improve drastically to avoid elimination.
4. Could Doku’s absence affect Manchester City’s Champions League ambitions?
Possibly. Doku is a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side, and his absence from the World Cup could leave him fatigued for City’s upcoming Champions League matches. However, Guardiola has a history of managing player workloads effectively in big tournaments.
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### The Bigger Picture: Player Availability in Modern Football
Doku’s early departure highlights a growing trend in football: player availability is no longer just about injuries—personal commitments now play a decisive role in tournament outcomes. In the 2022 World Cup, several players—including Kylian Mbappé (France) and Harry Kane (England)—faced fitness concerns, but personal reasons are increasingly cited as factors in withdrawals.
Key Stat: Since 2018, ESPN’s World Cup tracker shows that 12% of player withdrawals from World Cup squads have been due to personal reasons (family events, mental health, or other non-injury factors).
For Belgium, this situation tests their resilience. While Doku’s absence is understandable, it underscores a broader challenge: how do national teams balance personal lives with the demands of a 32-team World Cup? The answer may lie in better squad planning—or accepting that some sacrifices are inevitable.
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### What’s Next for Belgium? Follow the Story
Belgium’s fate now hangs on their next two matches. Will they find a way to overcome Doku’s absence? Can they still qualify despite their shaky start?
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