Jeremy Doku welcomes son Praise amid World Cup debate and journalist suspension

Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, a Manchester City star, left the Belgium squad during the 2026 World Cup to attend the birth of his first child, Praise, in London. He posted a gratitude message on social media, thanking supporters and confirming his return to the national team camp in the United States ahead of the group match against New Zealand.

French television journalist France Pierron sparked a public outcry when she criticised Doku’s decision, describing a father’s absence at a birth as “a disgusting moment”. L’Équipe suspended Pierron for the remainder of the season, and she later issued an apology.

Other Belgian players weighed in: Spaniard Fabian Ruiz expressed solidarity, saying he would have made the same choice, while defender Brandon Mechele announced his own pending fatherhood. The incident prompted discussion in media circles about player‑family rights during major tournaments, but the Belgian federation backed Doku and kept him available for selection.