“My family needs me now” – Jérémy Doku announces retirement from the World Cup to be with his wife
Belgian wing, Jérémy Doku announced his decision to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup to return home and support his wife as they prepare to welcome their first child.
“My family needs me”
According to the footballers, the decision came unexpectedly despite the fact that Belgium is in the crucial knockout phase of the competition, where every match has become more and more demanding.
Doku acknowledged the sacrifices made by his teammates and expressed his gratitude to the fans who stood by him during the tournament. However. he said family had to come first at this point.
Doku explains his decision
In a statement announcing his departure from the tournament, the winger said his wife’s impending delivery had made him realize where he needed to be.
“I have decided to retire from the World Cup and return to my wife to be with her while we welcome the birth of our child, and all these decisions come quite suddenly. The team is right in the crucial knockout phase and every match is an exhausting battle. Everyone did their best to win. As a soccer player, I deeply love this sport, I love my teammates with whom we fight together with me, and I hold every fan who supports me close to my heart. However, when my wife told me that her due date was approaching, my heart made it clear. My family needs me now.”
The announcement sparked backlash among football fans, with many praising the 24-year-old for putting family first, while others discussed the impact his absence could have on Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
Watch the video below…
🇬🇭I decided to withdraw from the World Cup and stay with my wife,”
— Jérémy Doku when he announced that he would retire from the 2026 FIFA World Cup to return home and support his wife during the birth of their first child. pic.twitter.com/YJ5pW7kJpW
— we love Ghana (@weloveghana042) June 22, 2026
