Jeremy Doku is facing the kind of World Cup decision that no player can reduce to football alone.
Belgium still has work to do before his family plan affects a match.
If their tournament lasts into July, though, the timing could become delicate.
The Athletic reported (via Reuters) that Doku's wife, Shireen, is due in the second week of July, which lines up with the World Cup quarterfinal window.
"It's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there. If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we can do."
Some backlash has followed, mostly from fans who believe a World Cup knockout game should come first. That reaction ignores how often football already makes room for major family moments.
Phil Foden left England's Euro 2024 camp for the birth of his third child. Fabian Delph also left England's 2018 World Cup camp for the birth of his child and returned before the quarterfinal against Sweden. Raheem Sterling left the 2022 World Cup for a family emergency, though that was not birth-related.
Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images
Doku's case would still feel bigger because Belgium may need him at the tournament's sharpest point. He has around 44 caps and seven goals, and he opened this World Cup with 86 minutes against Egypt, recording no goal or assist, one chance created, one completed dribble, and five fouls won.
The football complication needs Belgium to survive long enough.
Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt and still has Iran and New Zealand to play in Group G. If they win the group, FIFA's bracket sends them into Match 82 against a third-place team from Groups A, E, H, I, or J.
The Round of 16 would likely bring the winner of the USA's section of the draw, while the quarterfinal is scheduled for July 10 in Los Angeles. That is the date range where Doku's absence could bite.
If he misses a match, Belgium has options. Leandro Trossard offers the safest experience, Johan Bakayoko can provide a direct wing threat, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo replaced Doku late against Egypt. Charles De Ketelaere gives a more technical, flexible look.
The honest view is simple. Belgium should want Doku available, but the federation is right to support him. No selection decision should be bigger than the birth of a first child.
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