Belgium's Doku backed to find form despite personal challenges

Jérémy Doku, Belgium's winger, is still searching for his top form at the 2026 World Cup. His performances have been affected by illness, a trip back to Europe for the birth of his son, Praise, and the general pressure of expectation. However, the Belgian national team remains confident he will show his "best" version in the upcoming Round of 16 match against the United States.

Dodi Lukebakio, a teammate, emphasized Doku's importance to the team while acknowledging his difficult personal circumstances. "Jérémy is like a brother to me," Lukebakio stated. "A lot is expected of him because he is very important to us, but I think we must not forget that his situation has not been easy. He has lived through many things. He just became a father, he was very ill... He could barely breathe." Lukebakio urged patience and support for Doku, believing his best form will emerge.

Axel Witsel echoed this sentiment, highlighting the physical toll of Doku's recent experiences. "I think Jérémy is going to show what he's worth," Witsel said. "He also has a particular situation: having returned for the birth of his son, returning and doing so many hours of flight, it's not physically easy. And when you're not at 100 percent physically, it's hard to be at your best during the match, but I am convinced that Jérémy will prove the opposite in the next game."

The team's collective belief suggests that despite the challenges, Doku's talent will shine through when it matters most in the crucial knockout stage.