Belgium’s Jeremy Doku started against Egypt in his side’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, but struggled to make an impact before being replaced by Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the 86th minute. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Winger Jeremy Doku has been ruled out of Belgium’s second FIFA World Cup 2026 group match against Iran at SoFi Stadium due to illness, the Belgian team announced on Saturday.

Rudi Garcia’s side faces Iran on Sunday, looking to build on an opening 1-1 draw with Egypt, but will do so without Manchester City player Doku.

“Due to illness, Jeremy Doku will not be part of the squad for our upcoming game against Iran,” Belgium posted on social media.

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Doku started against Egypt but struggled to make an impact before being replaced by Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the 86th minute.

The 24-year-old could also miss a knockout stage match, as his wife is due to give birth to their first child in the second week of July.

Doku is one of the best young players in the Belgian squad, which is attempting to rebuild after its ‘golden generation’ unravelled with a group-stage exit from the 2022 World Cup.

Published on Jun 21, 2026