Jérémy Doku strode back into Belgium’s team hotel in Seattle on Wednesday to the applause of team-mates, his brief absence from the World Cup concluded with the birth of his son Praise in London. A video released by the Belgian federation captured the 24-year-old Manchester City winger receiving congratulations, his return restoring a key attacking option for a side that has drawn its opening two matches and now faces elimination unless it beats New Zealand on Friday at BC Place in Vancouver.

Doku had missed Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran on Sunday, initially sidelined by a respiratory illness. After several days of treatment, team doctors cleared him to travel, and he flew to the English capital accompanied by medical staff. “Everything went perfectly, and the mother, father and baby are all doing wonderfully,” said Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene. Doku himself posted on social media that his heart was “full of gratitude”, describing the arrival of his son as one of the greatest blessings God had given him.

The player’s decision to leave a World Cup camp mid-tournament ignited a sharp debate, particularly in France. Television commentator France Pierron labelled childbirth “a disgusting moment” where “the dad is useless”, remarks that drew widespread condemnation. Her employer, the sports daily L’Equipe, disavowed the comments and issued an apology to Doku, stating they did not reflect the publication’s values. Viewed from London, England forward Ollie Watkins framed the event differently, calling the birth “a blessing that only occurs once”. Within the Belgium squad, captain Youri Tielemans offered unequivocal support, saying that being present for a child’s birth was “more than normal as a dad” and a memory one cannot reclaim.

Belgium sit third in Group G, behind Iran and Egypt, after draws against both. A victory over bottom-placed New Zealand is required to secure progression without depending on the result of the simultaneous Iran-Egypt fixture. With Doku back in training and available for selection, head coach Rudi García regains a player who featured for 85 minutes in the opening draw with Egypt and whose direct running could prove decisive in breaking down the All Whites’ defence.