Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has challenged Belgium’s younger generation to alleviate the competitive pressure on veteran stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on June 13, 2026, the winger revealed a shift in his own mentality, asserting that it is now “our duty” to assume a more decisive role within a national side undergoing a significant transition under manager Rudi Garcia.
The Belgian “Red Devils” are looking to erase the memories of a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar 2022. Having finished third in 2018, the squad is now a blend of established icons and emerging talents.
Jeremy Doku, who was a 19-year-old peripheral prospect at the 2022 tournament, now enters the competition as a central figure for Rudi Garcia’s men after three seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
The winger believes that his experience under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has prepared him to carry the burden of expectation traditionally falling on De Bruyne and Lukaku. He specifically noted the need for impact during “bad moments” when the team is struggling. This focus on stepping up is part of the broader World Cup 2026 storylines as Belgium navigates this changing of the guard.
Jeremy Doku demands greater accountability from the squad
Jeremy Doku explained that his move to the Premier League fostered a winner’s mentality that he now brings to the national side. He noted that he is no longer hiding behind senior players and feels comfortable communicating his thoughts to teammates.
He previously expressed frustration after a qualifier draw in 2025, stating that if the team needs absent veterans to win every match, they have “no business” being at the World Cup.
The Belgian squad appears in a transitional phase as they prepare for their 15th tournament appearance. Jeremy Doku insists the team cannot stay focused on the absences or the sole vision of stars like Kevin De Bruyne, who now plays for Napoli.
Similar shifts in leadership are seen across professional competition, such as when Luke Littler led technical drills for his teammates to foster team development.
Rudi Garcia confirms full 26-man tournament lineup
Manager Rudi Garcia finalized his 26-man roster on May 15, 2026, led by captain Youri Tielemans. The goalkeeper department features Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), and Mike Penders (Strasbourg). This selection aims to provide a stable foundation for the creative freedom Doku described in recent interviews with FourFourTwo.
The defensive unit for the tournament includes Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton), and Koni De Winter (AC Milan). Garcia has also selected Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), and Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt) to complete a deep backline. This core is designed to withstand the physical demands of the world stage.
Belgium’s preparation for the tournament has been marked by a desire to move past the “Golden Generation” label. As the team prepares for their campaign opening this Monday, the focus has shifted toward collective responsibility. Even as fans track moves like those for com/manchester-united-100m-transfer-agreement-analysis-2026/”>newly signed defensive stars in major leagues, the success of the Red Devils will hinge on the chemistry between the veterans and Doku’s emerging cohort.
Tactical freedom and the road ahead
The tactical shift under Rudi Garcia emphasizes a system where wingers are encouraged to take risks and initiate attacks directly. Jeremy Doku mentioned that Guardiola gave him freedom at City, a trait he intends to utilize for Belgium. By drawing defenders toward the flanks, he aims to create opportunities for the team and space for Lukaku to operate.
Success in this tournament would represent a significant validation of Belgium’s transition. Jeremy Doku’s willingness to vocalize his leadership ambitions suggests a locker room that is no longer content with past reputations. For De Bruyne and Lukaku, having a teammate ready to share the weight of a nation might be exactly what is needed to finally secure a major trophy.
