Doku recalls his illness and family troubles during the World Cup: He had hoped to have a greater impact.

Belgian winger Doku recounted the illnesses and family troubles he experienced during the 2026 World Cup.

Doku entered the tournament with high ambitions, but he contracted an acute respiratory infection and missed Belgium's second group stage match against Iran. That match ended in a 0-0 draw. At the time, no one knew that his condition was much more serious than initially thought.

Doku posted on social media, "I've never felt such pain in my life. I couldn't move, and all I wanted to do was cry. At 1 a.m., I had to go to the emergency room." This statement served as a prelude to a documentary he will release online on Sunday.

Doku's ordeal at the World Cup didn't end there. During the tournament, he received another unexpected piece of news: his first child had been born. Doku said, "I woke up suddenly, and someone told me my wife was in labor. At that moment, I thought: I must go see my son."

Doku then briefly left the Belgian camp to travel to London, finally reuniting with his son, Bryce. This brief visit sparked considerable controversy in Belgium, with discussions revolving around his role as a father and his presence at the birth of his child during the tournament. Doku said, "I'm trying to be the best father I can be now."

From a competitive standpoint, Doku admitted that his physical and technical form was not at its best, and he failed to exert the influence he desired. Belgium was eliminated in the quarterfinals with a 1-2 loss to Spain, who went on to win the championship.

Doku concluded by saying, "I hope to have a greater impact in this tournament. I will never forget the 2026 World Cup."