Belgian winger Jeremy Doku deserves more support at the World Cup if he wants to prove decisive for his country, teammate Dodi Lukebakio said on Saturday.
Doku was touted as a potential talisman for Belgium before the tournament but was largely ineffective despite progressing to the last 16, where they will meet the United States in Seattle on Monday.
The 24-year-old Doku was taken off in the last match against Senegal, along with Kevin De Bruyne, when the team were 2-0 down against Senegal and the substitution sparked an unlikely comeback, with Belgium triumphing 3-2 in the final minute of extra time.
«Jeremy is like a brother to me. It’s understandable that it has been difficult for him so far,» Lukebakio told a press conference at the training base.
«He became a father and he was also very ill. I know how ambitious he is and how hard he works.
«Jeremy is a very good player. I think he deserves more support from everyone because when he is fit and plays well, you all know how much damage he can do to the opponent.»
READ ALSO | Norway’s litmus test is next for Brazil in search of glory
Doku missed Belgium’s second group match against Iran when he flew to London for the birth of his first child, but started the other three matches of the tournament.
Lukebakio put in a convincing performance when Belgium last met the US in a friendly in Atlanta in March, scoring the final two goals in a 5-2 triumph.
“But they are a completely different team now,” said the winger. «Everything is different at a World Cup and this time they will definitely have all their fans behind them. It will be a 50-50 match.»
Published on July 5, 2026
