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Jeremy Doku's first child was due in early July, which created a big concern for fans of the Belgium national team.
That would overlap, most likely, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. And if the Belgians were still alive, Doku planned to go back to England to be there for the birth of his first kid.
Problem solved, though -- the baby understood the assignment and came early.
Reports emerged Monday that Doku's baby has been born, a son, named Praise.
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According to The Telegraph, Doku is going to rejoin Belgium in Seattle on Tuesday night.
Of course, Doku was right to be there for the first of his first child regardless. It does make things a bit easier for Belgium that Praise decided to show up now.
It's not too early, but it was ahead of schedule enough to remove some of Belgium's concern.
The Belgians played Sunday to a 0-0 draw with Iran without Doku. He was listed out with illness, but the timeline now seems to suggest he may have also been flying at some point there to be there with his wife Shireen.
There'll likely be questions in the days ahead about whether Doku is still sick or whether he'll be ready to face New Zealand on Friday night.
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He'll be returning to the United States with a bit of a superpower known as "Dad strength." There's a surprisingly long history of athletes putting up epic performances in their first games after having a child born to them.
Regardless, though, this is a special time for Doku. Playing at the World Cup is the pinnacle of his sport. Having a son is as special as life can get.
And the way it worked out, thanks to a baby ready to enter this world, is that it lined up for Doku to be there for it all.
English (US)