BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Belgium winger Jeremy Doku could face a difficult balancing act between country and family during the FIFA World Cup, with the Manchester City star determined not to miss the birth of his first child.

The 24-year-old is expected to play a key role for Belgium as they begin their Group G campaign against Egypt on Monday. Still, preparations are reportedly already underway in case he needs to leave the tournament later to be with his wife, Shireen, when she gives birth.

Doku revealed that his wife is due in the second week of July, a period that coincides with the quarter-final stage of the World Cup, should Belgium remain in the competition.

The winger made it clear that witnessing the birth of his first child is a priority.

“It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” Doku told reporters.

“If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations.”

Belgian media reported that contingency plans are already being discussed, including the possibility of arranging a private flight to England, where the child is expected to be born.

Doku currently plays his club football for Manchester City and would likely travel directly from the United States should the need arise.

The player expressed confidence that the Belgian football authorities would support him if a decision has to be made.

“I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do,” he said.

The situation presents a potential challenge for Belgium should the birth coincide with a crucial knockout-stage fixture.

Doku is regarded as one of the team’s most dangerous attacking players, known for his pace, dribbling ability and creativity on the wing. His absence, even temporarily, could be significant if Belgium are still battling for a place in the latter stages of the tournament.

He is not the only member of the Belgian squad facing such circumstances.

Defender Brandon Mechele is also preparing to become a father during the World Cup, although his wife is expected to give birth approximately a week after Doku’s wife.

For now, Belgium’s focus remains firmly on their opening match against Egypt in Seattle. But as the tournament progresses, coach and officials may have to navigate a unique challenge as two players prepare for some of the most important moments of their personal lives while representing their country on football’s biggest stage.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Saudi Arabia will return to familiar surroundings on Monday when they open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against two-time champions Uruguay, hoping history can inspire another memorable run on football’s biggest stage.

The Green Falcons are back in the United States 32 years after making their World Cup debut at USA 1994, a tournament that remains the high point of Saudi Arabian football. On that occasion, the Saudis stunned observers by advancing to the Round of 16, a feat that still stands as their best-ever performance at the global showpiece.

As they begin another campaign in North America, Saudi Arabia will be eager to recapture some of the spirit that carried them into the knockout rounds three decades ago.

Standing in their way are Uruguay, one of the most decorated nations in World Cup history. The South Americans, champions in 1930 and 1950, arrive with their customary ambitions of making a deep run in the tournament.

The match also rekindles memories of the teams’ only previous competitive meeting. The sides met during the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where Uruguay secured a narrow 1-0 victory courtesy of an early goal.

Saudi Arabia will be hoping for a different outcome this time around as they seek a positive start in Group H, which also features Spain and World Cup debutants Cabo Verde.

The Saudis have built a reputation for producing spirited performances on the world stage and will draw confidence from their famous upset victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That result demonstrated their ability to challenge football’s elite when at their best.

Uruguay, meanwhile, boast a squad blending experience and youth and will be determined to avoid any slip-up in what promises to be a competitive group. The South Americans know that an opening victory could prove crucial in the race for qualification to the knockout rounds.

For Saudi Arabia, however, the occasion carries added significance. Returning to the country where their World Cup journey began and where they achieved their greatest success offers an opportunity to create a new chapter in the nation’s football history.

Whether they can emulate the heroes of 1994 remains to be seen, but a strong result against Uruguay would be an ideal way to launch their latest World Cup adventure.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Former world champions Spain launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Monday against debutants Cabo Verde in a clash that pits one of the tournament’s most experienced nations against one of its newest arrivals.

The Group H encounter marks the beginning of Spain’s 17th World Cup appearance and their 13th consecutive participation in football’s biggest tournament, underlining the consistency that has made La Roja one of the global game’s traditional powers.

Spain arrive in North America seeking to add a second World Cup title to the crown they famously won in South Africa in 2010. Having remained a regular fixture at the finals for more than four decades, the Spaniards are once again regarded as strong contenders to progress deep into the competition.

Standing in their way are Cabo Verde, who are set to make history by appearing at the World Cup for the first time. The island nation has become one of four debutants at the 2026 tournament, alongside Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.

For Cabo Verde, the match represents the culmination of years of remarkable progress in African football. Once considered outsiders on the continental stage, the Blue Sharks have steadily developed into a competitive force capable of challenging established football nations.

While Spain will start as overwhelming favourites, World Cup history is littered with surprises, and Cabo Verde will hope to announce their arrival on the global stage with a memorable performance.

The debutants know that avoiding defeat against one of Europe’s football giants would be a significant achievement and could provide momentum for the remainder of their group-stage campaign.

Spain, meanwhile, will be eager to avoid any early slip-up as they seek a strong start in a group that also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The 2010 champions understand that opening-match victories often lay the foundation for successful World Cup runs.

As the two teams prepare to face each other for the first time at a World Cup, the contrast could hardly be greater: a nation embarking on its 17th campaign against one making its long-awaited debut.

Yet for 90 minutes, history and reputation will count for little as Cabo Verde chase a dream result and Spain begin another quest for football’s ultimate prize.

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