On the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup: The joy of fatherhood

Alongside the high-stakes matches of the World Cup, there are also the simple, ordinary emotions of players becoming fathers for the first time. In recent days, the joy of Leo Ostigard and the thoughtful decision of Jeremy Doku have offered a different perspective on those present at the 2026 World Cup.

According to The Guardian, amidst the intense atmosphere of the tournament, Norwegian defender Leo Ostigard experienced a special moment in his life. Because he was training with the national team in the US, he could only be with his girlfriend Aurora Eidmann via video call as their first son was born.

In a video posted by the Norwegian Football Federation, the 26-year-old player couldn't hide his emotions: "Seeing my son for the first time, I was so happy and proud. This is definitely the best thing I've ever experienced."

Ostigard celebrates after scoring for Norway in their match against Iraq. Photo: The Guardian

In a tournament where attention is usually focused on achievements and results, Ostigard's sharing shows that behind the image of national team players are still husbands and fathers with very ordinary emotions. That's also why the Norwegian center-back admitted he felt more relieved before the match against Senegal, when "everything is fine and my baby has been born."

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Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku's story presents a different dilemma between professional responsibilities and family life. The Belgian midfielder is expecting his first child, with his wife due in early July, coinciding with the World Cup quarter-finals.

Jeremy Doku's wife is expected to give birth in the second week of July, coinciding with the quarter-final match. Photo: The Guardian

Doku candidly shared: "Nobody wants to miss the moment their first child is born. But I also understand that football involves many other factors."

This statement quickly sparked mixed reactions in Europe. Some argued that the World Cup is a dream that any player only gets the chance to experience a few times in their career. But there were also many who defended Doku's choice if he decided to return to his family.

Central defender Leo Ostigard scored in Norway's 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening match of Group I, helping the Nordic side gain a significant advantage in the race to qualify for the next round. Meanwhile, Doku remains considered one of Belgium's key attacking players.

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However, the 24-year-old is unable to play as he is recovering from a respiratory illness and has been confirmed to miss the match against Iran. Doku's absence is a significant blow for the "Red Devils," who only managed a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their opening match and are under considerable pressure in the race to advance from the group stage.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/ben-le-world-cup-2026-niem-vui-lam-cha-1045366