Belgian striker Jérémy Doku didn’t mince words after the 1-1 draw between Belgium and Kazakhstan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Disappointed, frustrated, and very clear-headed, the player felt that the national team’s performance simply wasn’t up to the standard expected of a serious contender for qualification. For him, this match was dangerously reminiscent of other recent underwhelming performances, notably against North Macedonia, where the Red Devils had already shown worrying weaknesses. According to Doku, Belgium cannot be satisfied with such a result. He emphasized that the team, once again, lacked efficiency, a recurring problem that prevents the Belgians from converting their dominance in certain phases of the game.
The match’s outcome left a bitter taste: despite possession, the chances created, and their theoretical superiority, the Red Devils failed to make the difference when it mattered most. Doku insists that the national team’s lack of clinical finishing is proving very costly. The striker also points out that the team has dropped too many points during this qualifying campaign. For him, it’s not just a matter of bad luck or minor details, but a sign of a deeper problem. He believes the overall level needs to be raised, and that every player, from starters to substitutes, needs to do more. This demand also applies to the coaching staff, because, according to him, everyone is responsible for this situation, which is jeopardizing their World Cup ambitions.
When questioned about the absence of several key Belgian players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois, Doku didn’t try to hide behind this excuse. On the contrary, he delivered a particularly sharp speech. For him, Belgium should never rely on a few individuals to beat a team like Kazakhstan. The mere mention of this excuse would be a sign that there’s an even more serious problem.
Doku explained that if the Red Devils truly need their biggest stars to overcome an opponent of this caliber, then they don’t belong in the World Cup. He considers this self-evident, almost a fundamental principle for a country that aspires to be among the best in European football. He reiterated that ambitious teams must be able to win even when they’re not at full strength. This is what distinguishes solid teams from unstable ones that rely too heavily on their key players.
His remarks highlight a worrying truth. For years, Belgium was carried by an exceptional generation comprised of De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard, Courtois, Vertonghen, and others. Today, with veterans often absent or nearing the end of their careers, the new generation must shoulder more responsibility.
According to Doku, this transition is far from complete. Young talents must prove they can wear the national jersey with the same strength as their predecessors, and this requires immediate results. The draw against Kazakhstan was not just a fluke. It highlights the numerous challenges Belgium faces in its qualifying campaign. The Red Devils are struggling to translate their attacking potential into consistent victories, and their lack of balance between the lines is evident in every match. The defense sometimes makes avoidable errors, the midfield lacks creativity without De Bruyne, and the attack doesn’t always manage to convert its opportunities.
Doku insists that each player must take a hard look at themselves. Commitment, tactical discipline, and desire must be more evident, especially against opponents well within their reach. He believes Belgium can no longer afford any complacency, as qualifying spots are becoming increasingly difficult to secure. International football is evolving rapidly, and so-called weaker teams are also improving. Nothing is guaranteed, and the match against Kazakhstan is concrete proof of that.
The Manchester City player is therefore calling for an immediate reaction. For him, this is the moment for the national team to show its true colors, its maturity, and its determination. Without this, qualification for the 2026 World Cup could turn into a difficult journey, or even a resounding failure. Doku indirectly concludes that only a collective self-examination will allow Belgium to regain its status as a formidable nation on the international stage. This frank and direct public statement could mark a turning point in the team’s mindset. Doku’s comments illustrate both frustration and a determination to rectify the situation without making excuses. The message is clear: if Belgium wants to remain a major footballing nation, it must act now and rise to the occasion.
