Jeremy Doku plans to leave World Cup for child's birth

Belgium's star winger Jeremy Doku has ignited a debate about professional obligations and personal life after stating his intention to leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup should his wife go into labor while Belgium remains in the tournament. The 24-year-old Manchester City player plans to return home for the birth of his first child, an event expected during the second week of July, coinciding with the tournament's quarterfinal stage.

Doku made his intentions public earlier this week, telling reporters his priority would be with his family. He is quoted saying, "It's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there," and adding, "If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child." He acknowledged the competing demands of his profession but stated that Belgium's football federation supports its players in such personal situations.

This declaration prompted a wave of commentary, with some critics arguing a player's duty to his country in a World Cup should take precedence. The most notable criticism came from French sports presenter France Pierron, who during a broadcast on June 20 called childbirth a "disgusting moment" and described...