Doku's wife, Shireen Erin Lyannda Raymond, is in late pregnancy, with her due date set for the second week of July. This timing coincides with the World Cup quarter-finals. The couple announced their engagement in Dubai in August 2025, a detail Doku shared in a documentary on his personal YouTube channel. They held their wedding two months later.

Jeremy Doku and his wife Shireen Erin Lyannda Raymond. Photo: Instagram/jeremydoku

Last week, Doku confirmed his desire to be with his family for the birth of his first child, even if Belgium was still playing in the 2026 World Cup.

"It's my first child, so I definitely want to be there," the Manchester City forward stated. "If you ask me what I want, the answer is no one wants to miss the moment their first child is born. However, I also understand football involves many other factors. I know the federation always supports players and understands their circumstances. We will see what we can do."

Doku's statement immediately sparked debate. One of the strongest criticisms came from MC France Pierron of the sports daily L'Equipe. Pierron found it "hard to accept" to leave the national team during the World Cup for a birth, arguing that the father plays a limited role during childbirth.

"The World Cup is a special joy," she said. "Hundreds of players would trade everything to be in your position. This opportunity might never come again. You are living a childhood dream but want to give it all up to attend a birth, where the father doesn't really help much. You're not cutting the umbilical cord. You cannot miss a World Cup."

These comments faced a backlash on social media. Many argued Doku was right to want to be present for such an important life event and to support his wife during childbirth. Pierron, however, defended her stance. She noted Doku would face hours of travel and physical and mental pressure, while "the child will always be there."

MC France Pierron of the sports daily L'Equipe. Photo: Instagram/francepierron

Following public outcry, the MC posted a message on social media to clarify her remarks.

"I never intended to downplay the position or role of a father to their partner and children," Pierron wrote. "I was merely expressing a personal opinion within the context of a debate with many differing views. Those statements represent only me and do not reflect a collective viewpoint. I understand they may have shocked, hurt, or upset some people, and I apologize for that."

Doku played 86 minutes in Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening Group G match of the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old forward missed the second match against Iran due to illness.