Why Jeremy Doku is facing backlash for not playing in Belgium-Iran

Belgium faced Iran on Sunday in Matchday 2 of the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 0-0 result earned one point for both nations, leaving Belgium in second place in the group with two points from two matches and Iran in first place with the same number of points.

Naturally, Rudi Garcia’s side was the favorite to take all three points, making the draw a surprise.

One particularly noticeable factor was the absence of Jeremy Doku’s dribbling ability and attacking explosiveness. However, the talented Manchester City winger was not available for the match.

Jeremy Doku's Belgium absence vs. Iran and the backlash that followed

The player expressed his desire to leave Belgium’s training camp in the United States to be in England for the birth of his first child in July.

Aside from that, according to reports, Doku arrived in the U.S. with a cold and, after suffering a respiratory infection, Belgium’s medical staff deemed it too risky for him to play against Iran.

“It is better for him to rest now and get back to work ahead of the final group-stage match against New Zealand," said Vincent Mannaert, Royal Belgian Football Association sporting director.

So, why has Doku been criticized?

The reason was not his absence for the Iran game, but his desire to travel to England to witness the birth of his first child in July.

A clear example of this criticism was L'Equipe pundit France Pierron, who did not hide her displeasure with Doku's decision.

"This outrages me," Pierron said Friday, via ESPN. "When you are lucky enough to appear at a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place."

"It's a unique moment, a childhood dream come true. And you're going to walk away from that to be at the birth of your child? I'm sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo. You're going to take a 10-hour flight, exhaust yourself, go through the wringer emotionally... How can you return to play after that? The baby will always be there."

Pierron apologized on Saturday via her X account, making it clear that it was a personal opinion.

This post received many responses supporting Pierron's opinion.

Doku is expected to be available for Belgium’s final group-stage match against New Zealand, scheduled for June 26 at BC Place in Vancouver at 11 p.m. ET.