Doku returns to Belgium squad after birth of his son, available for New Zealand clash

Jeremy Doku became a father to a baby boy named Praise on Monday evening and will be present for Belgium’s final group match against New Zealand in the early hours of Friday to Saturday (05:00).

The Manchester City winger had left the United States to join his wife in London for the birth, a trip made “with the agreement and in the presence of one of the doctors” from the Belgian Football Association, according to a message posted on X by the national team. Doku will rejoin the Red Devils’ base camp in Seattle, Washington, on Tuesday.

His return comes at a crucial time for Rudi Garcia, who is seeking an offensive solution amid a worrying group-stage situation. Belgium has taken just two points from two matches — a 1-1 draw against Egypt and a 0-0 draw against Iran — and sits third in Group G. Without a victory against New Zealand, qualification for the round of 16 looks compromised.

Doku, one of the sharpest players in the Belgian squad, could therefore directly influence the Red Devils’ survival in this 2026 World Cup.