Doku’s World Cup Baby Leave Plan Draws Critics as Østigård Celebrates

The 2026 World Cup is delivering its usual dose of high-stakes drama, but away from the pitch, two players are navigating profoundly personal milestones that have thrust the intersection of family and football into the spotlight. Norway defender Leo Østigård experienced the birth of his first child via video link from the team hotel, while Belgium winger Jérémy Doku is preparing to leave the tournament—potentially missing a quarter-final—to be present for his own child’s arrival. The contrasting scenarios have ignited a debate about priorities, with Doku’s decision drawing sharp criticism in some quarters.

A Tale of Two Fathers: Contrasting Experiences at the World Cup

The Norwegian camp has been buoyed by a moment of pure joy. According to The Guardian, Østigård, 26, provided long-distance support to his partner Aurora Eidmann as she gave birth to their son on Friday. The defender, who has been receiving parenting tips from teammate Erling Haaland, followed the delivery on a video call. “I’m completely exhausted myself, it was absolutely amazing. She did so well, there wasn’t much I could say, I just had to help her work and get him out,” Østigård said in a video published by the Norwegian FA. The emotional moment was soon interrupted by a knock on his hotel room door, with teammates Sander Berge, Haaland, and Jørgen Strand Larsen bursting in to celebrate. The scene underscored a squad united in personal support, a stark contrast to the tension surrounding Doku.

Østigård’s Virtual Miracle

Østigård’s experience, while unconventional, allowed him to remain fully available for Norway’s campaign. The Guardian report highlights his awe: “When I saw him for the first time, I was blown away. It’s absolutely insane. I’m so happy and proud. It’s definitely the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced.” The fact that he could share the news immediately with teammates—Haaland among them—reinforced the camaraderie within the squad. There was no question of missing a match; technology bridged the distance, and Norway’s defensive plans remain intact.

Doku’s Quarter-Final Conundrum

For Belgium, the situation is far more complicated. Doku’s wife, Shireen, is due in the second week of July, precisely when the quarter-finals are scheduled. The 24-year-old Manchester City winger, a key starter for the Red Devils, has made his intentions clear. “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,” Doku told Reuters, as reported by HuffPost. Belgian media have confirmed that plans are being put in place for him to fly home, but the timing could force him to miss a knockout match. This has left head coach Domenico Tedesco and the federation grappling with a potential absence that could reshape Belgium’s attacking threat.

The Criticism and the Debate

Doku’s family-over-nation stance has not been universally applauded. Deadspin detailed the backlash, noting that television sports journalist France Pierron delivered a scathing assessment. “The World Cup is an incredible joy. There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It might never happen again in your life,” Pierron said, as translated from French text posted to the Facebook page of L’Equipe D. She went further, calling the birth “a disgusting moment, if you’ll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless.” The remarks, while extreme, reflect a segment of public opinion that views the World Cup as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should take precedence.

Public Backlash and Media Scrutiny

The criticism, as captured by Deadspin, underscores a cultural divide. Pierron’s comments, though widely condemned as insensitive, highlight the pressure on elite athletes to sacrifice personal milestones for national glory. Doku himself acknowledged the noise, telling Reuters: “I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do.” The Belgian federation has not publicly pressured him to stay, but the debate rages on social media and in fan forums. Some argue that Doku’s presence is vital—Belgium’s opening match against Egypt in Seattle on Monday showcased his importance—while others defend his right to prioritize family.

The Federation’s Stance and Team Dynamics

Unlike the Norwegian squad’s seamless integration of personal joy, Belgium faces a logistical and emotional dilemma

The Guardian and HuffPost

both note that Doku is one of the team’s key elements. If he departs, potential replacements like Leandro Trossard or Johan Bakayoko would need to step up in a high-pressure knockout scenario. The federation’s support, as Doku mentioned, suggests a modern approach to player welfare, but the timing could not be worse. The contrast with Østigård’s situation—where technology allowed him to participate without disruption—raises questions about whether Belgium could have planned differently, though due dates are unpredictable.

The Bigger Picture

The 2026 World Cup is increasingly a stage where personal lives collide with professional demands. For Norway, Østigård’s remote birth experience has become a heartwarming footnote that may even boost team morale, with Haaland and others rallying around him. Belgium, however, faces a tangible competitive disadvantage if Doku leaves. The Red Devils are already navigating a tricky group that includes Egypt, and a quarter-final without their explosive winger could derail a deep run. Doku’s potential absence would force Tedesco to reconfigure the attack, likely relying more on Romelu Lukaku’s hold-up play and Trossard’s creativity, but the loss of Doku’s direct dribbling and pace is significant. The situation also reignites a broader conversation about the inhumanity of forcing athletes to choose between career-defining moments and irreplaceable family events. While Pierron’s comments are an outlier, they reflect an outdated mentality that the sport is slowly shedding. As Østigård’s story shows, with support and technology, players can have both—but only if the calendar aligns. For Doku, the clock is ticking, and the world will be watching whether he stays or goes.