World Cup 2026: Belgium coach Rudi Garcia confirms Jeremy Doku’s availability for New Zealand clash

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has confirmed that winger Jeremy Doku will be available for their final 2026 World Cup group game against New Zealand.

The Red Devils will face New Zealand on Friday in the third round of Group G matches, with the European outfit desperately needing a victory to strengthen their chances of progressing to the round of 32 of the tournament.

Belgium currently sit third in the group with two points, while New Zealand are bottom with one point, making the encounter crucial for both nations.

Doku recently left the Belgian camp to travel to London for family reasons and only rejoined the squad a few days ago, raising doubts over his physical condition ahead of the important fixture.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, Garcia made it clear that the Manchester City winger is not ready to start the match

“No,” Garcia replied when asked whether Doku would be included in the starting lineup against New Zealand.

The Belgian coach explained that the attacker has not trained properly over the past week and lacks the fitness required to complete the full match.

“He only returned three days ago and has not trained fully for the past seven days. He is capable of making a difference, but he does not have the physical fitness to play a full ninety minutes,” Garcia said.

Garcia also stressed that Belgium’s tactical setup does not revolve around one player despite Doku’s importance to the squad.

“He will most likely start the match from the bench. Our style of play does not depend on one player,” he added.

The coach pointed out that Belgium still created several opportunities during their previous match against Iran even without Doku in the lineup.

“Even in his absence, we were able to create many opportunities against Iran. What we need tomorrow is mainly more effectiveness, composure, decisive ability to finish attacks, and determination in front of the goal,” Garcia concluded.

Belgium head into the clash under mounting pressure after a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign, with concerns growing over the team’s inability to convert chances into victories.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will also be chasing a positive result as they seek to keep alive their hopes of progressing from a highly competitive Group G.