Doku Loses His Spark as Belgium Faces Crucial World Cup Test
Expected to be one of Belgium's standout stars at the 2026 World Cup, Jérémy Doku has endured a difficult tournament marked by illness, personal circumstances and inconsistent performances that have put his starting place at risk.
Jérémy Doku is experiencing his toughest spell with Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Manchester City winger arrived at the tournament as one of the team's biggest attacking threats, but his performances have fallen well below expectations.
His difficult run began after missing Belgium's match against Iran because of a respiratory infection. Shortly afterward, Doku temporarily left the national team's training camp to attend the birth of his child, a personal milestone that coincided with a noticeable decline in his form.
Since returning, the winger has struggled to rediscover the pace, creativity and one-on-one ability that made him one of Europe's most exciting attacking players. As a result, questions have emerged regarding whether he should continue as a starter during the knockout stages.
Belgium's coaching staff continues to support the 24-year-old, but competition for places is increasing as every match becomes more significant in the race for the World Cup title.
With Belgium aiming to remain among the tournament's strongest contenders, Doku now faces a crucial challenge: regain his confidence, recover his best football and prove he can once again be the game-changing player many expected before the competition began. His performances over the coming matches could play a decisive role in Belgium's World Cup ambitions.
