Manchester City and Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has become a father for the first time after welcoming a baby boy during the World Cup. The 24-year-old was granted special leave from the Red Devils' camp in the United States to travel to London for the birth of his son.
England striker Ollie Watkins has staunchly defended Jeremy Doku following widespread criticism over the Belgian winger's decision to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Watkins hit back at viral comments labelling childbirth as a "disgusting moment", insisting that welcoming a firstborn is a blessing that transcends football.
Thibaut Courtois has opened up about his long-term future at Real Madrid, admitting that while he dreams of retiring at the Bernabeu, the final decision rests with the club. The 34-year-old Belgian international remains at the top of his game and is widely regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in world football.
Belgium’s World Cup campaign has hit a stuttering start following two consecutive draws, but while the points tally is a concern, it is the performance levels that have drawn the sharpest tongue in football. Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not hold back when assessing their latest stalemate against Iran, delivering a scathing review of the Red Devils' toothless display.
Belgium's wait for a first win at the 2026 World Cup will go on as the Red Devils were only able to draw 0-0 with Iran on Sunday. Nathan Ngoy's red card ruined any hopes Rudi Garcia's side had of finding a late winner as they struggled to create opportunities without the deadly Jeremy Doku, who missed out due to illness.
Journalist France Pierron apologized on Saturday following a controversial segment on the L'Equipe television channel. She had strongly criticized Belgian winger Jeremy Doku's decision to temporarily leave the 2026 World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child.
Belgium’s World Cup preparations have been hit by a significant setback as star winger Jeremy Doku has been ruled out of the upcoming group stage fixture against Iran. The Manchester City attacker is struggling with a recurring respiratory infection that has forced him out of training in Los Angeles.
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to help Belgium avoid defeat in their World Cup opener, with the veteran striker playing a pivotal role in Mohamed Hany putting through his own net to earn the Red Devils a 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle. Rudi Garcia's men went into the Group G opener unbeaten in all competitions since March of last year but they looked set to slump to a shock defeat after Emam Ashour's terrific 19th-minute strike from outside the area.
From enchiladas to coxinha, discover the fan-favorite foods of Groups G, H and I and where to find them across New York City during the 2026 World Cup.
Toby Alderweireld has told GOAL why Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is “pure football”, with the tricky forward considered to be a “dangerous” operator that can illuminate the 2026 World Cup with Belgium. Fans across the globe are looking for creative performers of that ilk to get them off their seats as the best players on the planet descend on North America and prepare to compete for ultimate glory.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.
Romelu Lukaku reached yet another historic milestone as Belgium secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Croatia in their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The Napoli striker came off the bench to silence any doubts over his match fitness, netting a landmark 90th goal for his country to seal the result in Rijeka.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
Romelu Lukaku has sensationally revealed that the Belgium squad lobbied for Thierry Henry to take over as head coach following the departure of Roberto Martinez. The Napoli striker did not hold back in his assessment of the previous regime, suggesting that the tactical approach under former head coach Domenico Tedesco was destined for failure from the start.
Belgium
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