World Cup 2026: Østigård and Doku’s Family Milestones
Norway’s Leo Østigård and Belgium’s Jérémy Doku are managing the birth of their first children during the World Cup. Østigård supported his partner via video link on Friday, while Doku told Reuters he’s weighing the decision to leave the squad in July to be with his wife, Shireen.
How Leo Østigård balanced fatherhood and the World Cup
Leo Østigård provided long-distance support to his partner, Aurora Eidmann, as she gave birth to their son on Friday. The 26-year-old followed the birth via video link, according to a video published by the Norwegian FA on its social media channels.
Østigård described the experience as “absolutely amazing” and the “greatest thing I’ve ever experienced.” He noted that teammates Sander Berge, Erling Haaland, and Jørgen Strand Larsen celebrated the news by jumping into his hotel room shortly after the birth.
The striker, who scored in Norway’s opening win against Iraq, said the news makes him feel “a little more relaxed” ahead of Group I match against Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Will Jérémy Doku miss key matches for his child’s birth?
Jérémy Doku’s wife, Shireen, is due to give birth during the second week of July, which coincides with the scheduled quarter-finals. Doku told Reuters that while nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child, he understands football involves “many other considerations.”
Belgium’s tournament run began with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. For Doku to miss a knockout match, Belgium would need to advance from the group stage and win two subsequent ties.
Doku is currently sidelined for Belgium’s Group G game against Iran this Sunday. According to team reports, he has not yet recovered from a respiratory infection.
Why the debate over Doku’s potential absence sparked backlash
France Pierron, a journalist for L’Équipe, criticized Doku’s contemplation of leaving the squad, calling it a “disgusting moment” where the father is “completely useless.” Pierron argued that players are living out a “childhood dream” and should not walk away from it.
The newspaper Libération countered these remarks, describing Pierron’s comments as the “reaction of another age.”
Pierron later issued an apology via a post, stating her remarks were a personal opinion within a debate and were not intended to “minimise the place or role of fathers with their partners and children.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jérémy Doku missing Belgium’s game against Iran?
Doku is missing the match because he has not recovered from a respiratory infection.
How did Leo Østigård support his partner during childbirth?
Østigård provided long-distance support to Aurora Eidmann via a video link.
What is the timeline for Jérémy Doku’s child’s birth?
His wife, Shireen, is due to give birth in the second week of July, during the quarter-finals.
Do you believe professional athletes should be granted leave for the birth of a child during a major tournament?