Blow for Belgium as key player set to miss World Cup clash with Iran | OneFootball

Belgium have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their World Cup 2026 clash with Iran. As reported by HLN, Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is suffering from a respiratory infection and will have to miss the game. This is not a new infection for Doku, who contracted it a few weeks ago and was able to recover. He will now rest and remain in the team hotel while the rest of the squad play the sides second World Cup game against Iran.

Doku is a key player for Belgium, although the side will be confident that they will have enough to beat Iran without him. Yet Rudi Garcia will need to find pace on the wings, as Leandro Trossard does not offer that and it was clear during the clash with Egypt that this was a problem. Belgium were unbalanced and Doku was being double teamed, without the Red Devils being able to take advantage of this defensive overload.

There are options for Garcia. Dodi Lukebako has a good record for Belgium, while he could also move Charles De Ketelaere out wide and bring in Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Doku’s absence will allow someone else to prove that they deserve to be starting for Belgium.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson