- Belgium winger Jeremy Doku plans to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child, even if his team remains in the tournament, stating his strong desire to be present for the significant family event.
- Doku, a Manchester City forward, revealed that his wife Shireen is due in the second week of July, which coincides with the World Cup quarter-finals, and arrangements are being made for him to travel home via private jet.
- His decision was initially criticised by French TV presenter France Pierron on social media, who controversially stated that fathers are “completely useless” during childbirth and that Doku should prioritise his 'childhood dream' of playing in the World Cup.
- Pierron subsequently issued an apology on X, explaining that her comments were a “personal opinion” within a debate and expressed regret if they had “shocked, hurt, or wounded” anyone, clarifying she did not intend to minimise the role of fathers.
- The situation follows Norway's Leo Ostigard, who recently celebrated the birth of his first child via video link while at the World Cup, expressing profound joy and pride at the arrival of his son.
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