Jeremy Doku Defends Plan to Leave 2026 World Cup for Son’s Birth as French Pundit France Pierron Sparks Backlash

Belgium international Jeremy Doku is preparing for life as a first-time father, but his decision to briefly step away from the 2026 World Cup for the birth of his son has ignited a heated public debate — and drawn a striking rebuke from a French television personality.

The 24-year-old Manchester City winger, currently on duty with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, confirmed to Reuters that his partner Shireen, 30, is due in the second week of July — a window that could coincide with the quarter-final stage of the tournament. Doku was candid about his priorities: “It’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there. If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do.”

Those remarks, measured and personal in tone, nonetheless triggered a sharp reaction from France Pierron, a journalist and presenter on French sports channel L’Equipe. During a segment on the programme, Pierron delivered a blunt assessment of Doku’s position. “When you have the chance to participate in a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place (…) and you’re going to give up all that to attend the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse my language, where the father is useless, he’s just an extra,” she said, as Le Parisien reported.

The remarks visibly unsettled Pierron’s fellow panellists. Former boxer Brahim Asloum pushed back immediately, arguing that family takes precedence over sport. “A baby is your whole life,” Asloum said. “You can win a World Cup or miss it, but once it’s over, it’s over.” Pierron remained unmoved, responding: “But Brahim, your baby will always be there.”

Video of the exchange spread rapidly across social media, drawing widespread criticism from football supporters and parents who described the commentary as dismissive of modern fatherhood. The backlash prompted Pierron to address her remarks publicly on X. “I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange,” she wrote on June 20, 2026. “I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”

This is not the first time Pierron has faced scrutiny over her views on athletes and parental responsibilities. In 2024, she reportedly drew controversy by questioning arrangements made for athletes wishing to care for their children during the Olympic Games. “The Olympics last three weeks, let’s say one week at most for an athlete. I believe you can be separated from your baby or child for a week,” she reportedly argued at the time.

For Doku, the off-field noise arrives at a difficult moment on the pitch as well. The winger is currently dealing with illness and will miss Belgium’s second group stage fixture against Iran at the 2026 World Cup. Despite the criticism levelled at him, he has received considerable public support as the debate over the balance between professional duty and family life continues to resonate beyond football.

The episode reflects a broader, ongoing conversation in professional sport about paternity rights and the expectations placed on elite athletes during major tournaments — a discussion that shows little sign of fading.