Belgium winger Jérémy Doku is out for today’s matchup with Iran at 3 p.m. ET on FS1, and this follows news of his potential absence in July if the Belgians make a run in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
On Saturday, Doku was ruled out for Matchday 2 at the World Cup due to a respiratory infection.
The Red Devils remain significant favorites for Belgium vs. Iran, sporting a 1.38x payout if they win. However, Belgium comes off a fortunate 1-1 draw vs. Egypt, struggling to produce on the attack for most of the match. With their best attacker now off the field, how will Belgium adjust on Sunday?
Below, we’ll break down the latest Jérémy Doku injury update for Sunday’s World Cup 2026 match, when he could return from the injury, and how his absence could shift Belgium vs. Iran picks for PrizePicks.
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Jérémy Doku Injury Update: How Long Will Doku Be Out in World Cup?
As mentioned, Doku is officially out today, and reports emerged that he’s been battling the respiratory issues for weeks. The blistering weather in the States probably isn’t helping his cause, though Sunday provides a matchup in sunny Los Angeles, featuring temperatures in the low 70s.
Belgium’s last match of the group stage is against New Zealand on Friday, June 26, at Vancouver, Canada’s BC Place.
Ahead of today’s fixtures, all four teams in Group G scored one point in draws on Matchday 1. With that said, the Red Devils are chasing a much-needed three points with a win over Iran on Sunday afternoon.
Of course the question becomes how long will Doku be out? Manager Rudi Garcia declined to comment on the length of absence.
Providing even more worry, reports emerged over the weekend that Doku would leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. His wife is due the second week of July, which would be during the quarterfinal.
PrizePicks Team Picks gives Belgium a 3.12x payout to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals, compared to 1.33x to not make the final eight. The Belgians are certainly not favored to make that kind of run, but it hasn’t stopped the criticism from raining on the standout winger.
Belgium must prepare to fill Doku’s role, but who could step up in his absence, beginning with today’s match vs. Iran?
What Belgium Players to Target for PrizePicks with Doku Out?
Alongside Doku, Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku remains in a limited role as he progresses toward becoming fully fit. He made an immediate impact on Matchday 1 by scoring the Red Devils’ only goal within 25 seconds of coming onto the pitch vs. Egypt.
Doku made his contributions, too, providing 3 successful dribbles, 8 duels won, and 6 touches in the opposition’s box vs. Egypt, per FotMob. Further, he tallied 21 run-ins behind Egypt’s backline.
Belgium recorded only 3 shots on target while missing 2 big chances last week. Adding to their issues at the striker position, they now lose their most impactful piece for making runs to break back lines.
Players must step up in Doku’s absence, but who will that be? Here are three players who may benefit from Doku being out, including each Belgian’s projections for Belgium vs. Iran on PrizePicks.
- LW Leandro Trossard — 2.5 Shots / 1.5 Attempted Dribbles (Goblin) / 0.5 Goal + Assist (Demon)
- RW Dodi Lukébakio — 1.5 Shots (Goblin) / 0.5 Shots on Target (Goblin) / 0.5 Goal + Assist (Demon)
- RW Diego Moreira — 2.5 Shots (Demon) / 0.5 Goals (Demon) / 0.5 Fouls Drawn (Goblin)
Belgium LW Leandro Trossard starts opposite of Doku at right wing. Trossard posted 3 shots, 3 chances created, and 3 successful dribbles on Matchday 1. An increased role could be ahead for the starting left winger.
Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira are candidates to replace Doku in the starting lineup. Lukébakio did not take the field vs. Egypt but has 30 career appearances for Belgium. Moreira has notched only three international appearances and has yet to earn a start for Belgium.
Keep a close eye on official lineups, as the starting right winger immediately becomes a potential target for player projections on PrizePicks.
Combine Belgium to Win + Leandro Trossard picks on PrizePicks
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Make Belgium vs. Iran World Cup 2026 Picks on PrizePicks
How will Belgium perform without exceptional winger Jérémy Doku? The Red Devils will look for increased production from their front line against Iran on Sunday afternoon.
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