World Cup 2026: Red Devil Jeremy Doku flies to London for birth of first child

Jeremy Doku became a father last weekend. He and his wife Shireen have become the proud parents of a son, Praise. Doku flew to London, to be with his wife, the Belgian Football Association reported in a press release on Monday.

"Jeremy received the message yesterday, before the match, that the birth was imminent," reads a short statement. "In consultation with the Red Devils' medical staff, it was decided to temporarily give him the opportunity to join his wife in London." There was some controversy earlier over Doku's desire to be present at the birth, which would have meant leaving the tournament for a while.

"Since he had already been receiving the adjusted medication for several days, he was able to fly without medical risk to be with his family during this special moment. ​ Everything went very well, and mother, father, and son are doing excellent. Jeremy will rejoin the group in Seattle tomorrow evening”, says team doctor Brahim Hacene.

On Saturday, the media present in Los Angeles learned just before training at the LA Galaxy stadium that Doku was out for Sunday's match against Iran. According to the federation, the Manchester City winger was once again suffering from his respiratory infection.

_{#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}