Doku Sidelined for Iran Clash
Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku will not play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage encounter between Belgium and Iran, as he battles a respiratory infection. The 22-year-old has spent several days in the medical bay, experiencing breathing difficulties that forced him to sit out multiple training sessions. Belgium's coaching staff remains hopeful that he can recover in time for the final group-stage fixture.
In Belgium's opening match—a 1-1 draw against Egypt—Doku logged 86 minutes on the pitch. Overall, he has earned 44 caps for his country, scoring 7 goals. The 2026 World Cup marks his second appearance at the tournament; during the previous edition in Qatar, he featured in just one game.
Broadcasting the 2026 World Cup in Ukraine
In Ukraine, streaming service Megogo has secured exclusive rights to broadcast all 2026 World Cup matches. Fans can watch every game on the OTT platform via the Sport or Megopack subscriptions. Select matches will also air for free on the Megogo Sport TV channel, available through T2 digital broadcasting and cable networks. Megogo Sport plans to show at least one match per game day. Additionally, the platform has announced over 90 pre- and post-match studio shows and will provide Ukrainian-language commentary for all fixtures.
Belgium’s group-stage schedule includes a match against New Zealand on June 26 (Kyiv time). The full group-stage and knockout-round schedule—spanning June and July—is already available. Specifically, Belgium will face Iran on June 21 and conclude the group stage against New Zealand on June 27.
Doku's absence against Iran could significantly impact Belgium's performance, as he plays a key role in their attacking setup. His return after treatment may prove decisive in later matches, particularly against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Megogo's coverage of the World Cup will allow Ukrainian viewers to follow these events in real time, potentially boosting domestic interest in the tournament.
As Belgium navigates the challenges of the World Cup, the impact of key players like Jérémy Doku becomes even more pronounced. For fans interested in how veteran talents are shaping the tournament, Edin Džeko's remarkable journey at 40 years old offers a compelling perspective on longevity and excellence in international football. Discover more about his legendary status in this insightful article.