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Jeremy Doku Ruled Out of World Cup Match Due to Illness

2026-06-29 · Jeremy Doku · Player Focus

Jeremy Doku Ruled Out of World Cup Match Due to Illness

Jeremy Doku, the Belgium winger, will not play in his team's World Cup match against Iran on Sunday due to illness.

What happened?

The Manchester City winger was ruled out by coach Rudi Garcia on Saturday.

Garcia declined to comment at length on Doku's condition, but it is believed he has been fighting a respiratory problem for at least two weeks.

Why it matters for Jeremy Doku

Doku started Belgium's World Cup opener last Monday and played into the 86th minute of a 1-1 draw with Egypt.

He reportedly left a practice early due to breathing issues during the week before the opening match.

What comes next?

Garcia indicated that Romelu Lukaku will probably be a substitute again, as the 33-year-old striker is not yet ready to play a full match.

Lukaku, Belgium's career goals leader, entered the match against Egypt in the second half and immediately created the chance that led to the tying goal.

Belgium is 10th in FIFA's world rankings and needs a strong result against Iran to stay on track to win its group.

The Red Devils finish group-stage play against New Zealand on Friday.

If they win their group and their first knockout-round match, they would face the co-host U.S. on July 6 in the round of 16.

Doku also has been in the spotlight after telling reporters that he planned to leave the team if necessary for the birth of his first child during the World Cup.

His wife is due in early July, during the knockout stages.

Garcia said the goal is to have Lukaku play to the end of the World Cup, and they cannot wear him out early.

Lukaku is not only a good striker for Belgium, but he is one of the best in football.

The team is happy to have him, despite missing many training sessions.

Belgium needs a strong result against Iran to stay on track in the tournament.

The match against Iran is scheduled for Sunday, and the team is preparing without Doku.

Garcia is confident that the team will be fine and will win the match without Doku.

The Red Devils are focused on winning their group and advancing to the knockout stages.

They will face New Zealand on Friday, and a win will help them stay on track.

The team is ready to play without Doku and is confident in their abilities.

They will do their best to win the match and advance in the tournament.

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