Belgium have suffered a significant setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash with Iran. According to reports from HLN, Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku will be unavailable for the match after developing a respiratory infection. This is a recurrence of an earlier illness that Doku had contracted a few weeks ago, from which he had seemingly recovered. The winger will now remain at the team hotel to rest while Belgium take on Iran in their second World Cup group match.

Doku’s absence is a major concern for the Red Devils, as he has been one of Belgium’s key attacking threats. Nevertheless, the team remains confident of overcoming Iran despite his unavailability. Head coach Rudi Garcia will, however, need to address the lack of pace on the flanks, since Leandro Trossard does not offer the same speed. This issue was apparent in the previous encounter against Egypt, where Belgium looked unbalanced and Doku was frequently double-marked without the team being able to exploit the defensive gaps.

Garcia still has several tactical options available. Dodi Lukebako could be called upon, given his strong record with the national side, while Charles De Ketelaere might be deployed out wide with Matias Fernandez-Pardo taking an attacking role. Doku’s absence provides an opportunity for other players to step up and stake their claim for a regular starting position in Belgium’s lineup.