Norway defender Leo Østigård became a father to his first child, a son, on Friday, June 19, 2026. [1, 2, 3] The 26-year-old supported his partner remotely via FaceTime while continuing Norway’s World Cup campaign. He called the birth "the greatest thing I've ever experienced," adding, "When I saw him for the first time, I was blown away. It’s absolutely insane. I'm so happy and proud." [1] Teammates Erling Haaland, Sander Berge, and Jørgen Strand Larsen visited Østigård in his hotel room shortly after the birth. [1, 3] Haaland had offered parenting tips to Østigård, who described himself as "completely exhausted" but proud of his partner's strength during labor. [1, 2, 3]
Belgium winger Jérémy Doku, 24, planned to leave the Belgian World Cup camp to be with his wife, Shireen, for the birth of their first child due in the second week of July, potentially during the tournament’s quarterfinals. [4, 5, 6, 3, 7, 8] Doku missed Belgium’s second group match against Iran on June 21 due to illness before flying to London with team doctors’ approval to be by his wife’s side. [4, 9, 10, 8] On Monday, June 22, Shireen gave birth to their son, Praise. [9, 11, 12, 10, 8]
Doku emphasized the importance of attending the birth in interviews: "If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child." [4] He also expressed gratitude for his federation's support, saying, "Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me." [12]
Doku planned to rejoin the Belgium squad in Seattle by Tuesday evening, June 23, ahead of their final group match against New Zealand. [9, 11, 12, 10, 8] Belgium stood third in Group G after draws with Egypt and Iran before facing New Zealand. [9, 12, 10]
Doku’s decision drew sharp criticism from French L'Equipe presenter France Pierron, who described childbirth as a "disgusting moment" and called the father "completely useless" in the role. [4, 5, 6, 3, 7, 8] Pierron said, "You’re living out a childhood dream, yet you’re going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child." [4] She later apologized publicly, clarifying that her remarks did not reflect the broadcaster’s values. [8]
England striker Ollie Watkins publicly defended Doku, calling the birth of a first child "a blessing" and saying, "I see where (Doku) is coming from. I think he has all the right to go back and be there." [5, 6, 11, 7] Other former players and coaches expressed a range of views, both critical and supportive, on prioritizing family over World Cup duties. [3, 8]
The Belgium team awaits Doku’s return from London as they prepare for their next group match. Meanwhile, Østigård continues his World Cup campaign while embracing fatherhood from afar. [12, 3]
