Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, 24, is due to become a father for the first time in the second week of July, coinciding with the World Cup quarter-final stage. [1, 2, 3] Doku’s wife, Shireen, is expected to give birth in England during that period. [1, 2, 3]
Doku expressed his wish to be present at the birth. "It depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there," he said. [1] He acknowledged the challenge of balancing family and football commitments: "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." [1, 3]
Plans are underway to allow Doku to leave the World Cup in the United States to travel to England by private plane for the birth, showing flexibility from the Belgian Football Federation. [1, 2, 3] Doku noted, "I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we can do." [1, 3]
Defender Brandon Mechele faces a similar situation, with his wife due about a week after Doku's wife. [1, 2] Belgium opened their World Cup campaign on June 15, 2026, against Egypt in Seattle as the tournament began. [1, 2, 3]
Doku plays his club football for Manchester City and is a key figure in Belgium’s squad. [1, 2, 3] The second week of July will be crucial as Belgium could be contesting the quarter-finals while Doku awaits his child’s birth in England. [1, 2, 3]
