- Belgian winger Jeremy Doku temporarily departed the World Cup to fly to London and be present for the birth of his first child, a son named Praise, with his wife Shireen on Monday.
- Doku received medical clearance from the team doctor, Brahim Hacene, to fly without risk and was accompanied by a colleague, with the mother and baby reported to be doing wonderfully.
- He is set to rejoin the Belgium squad on Tuesday evening in Seattle, expressing gratitude for the team's support and his readiness to return to represent his country.
- Doku faced criticism from French TV presenter France Pierron for his decision, who controversially described the birth as a “disgusting moment” where the father is “completely useless”, though Pierron later apologised.
- Doku, who missed Belgium's recent 1-1 draw with Iran due to illness, is expected to be available for their final Group G fixture against New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday.
IN FULL
