Doku scare brushed off as Belgium settle into Seattle World Cup base

Doku stops training but it's nothing serious

Jeremy Doku caused a brief scare during Belgium's first training session on American soil, stopping early and heading to the sideline. The knock is minor and there's no concern about his World Cup availability (1) (4). The technical staff will monitor him as a precaution, but you can breathe.

Belgium are now based in Seattle, where a nine-hour time difference from Brussels has prompted the Belgian FA to install special lighting in the team hotel to fight jetlag. The mood in camp is positive, with Kevin De Bruyne reportedly back to his smiling self and looking fully fit (1) (4).

Belgium 5–0 Tunisia, a proper statement

Last Saturday's friendly was as one-sided as the scoreline suggests. Belgium dismantled Tunisia 5–0 in their final warm-up before the tournament, with Doku among those impressing (5). The performance sent a clear message: this squad is ready.

Witsel: the blend is right

Axel Witsel believes the mix of youth and experience in this Belgium squad is exactly what's needed for a deep World Cup run. "I think it's important to have balance, and a really good mix between the new, the new generation and, I would say, the old one," he said (5).

The veteran pointed to the group around him – De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Meunier, Thibaut Courtois – alongside younger talents like Doku, Charles De Ketelaere, and Dodi Lukebakio as evidence the squad has the right chemistry (5).

Penders learned of his call-up on TV

Mike Penders' World Cup story already has a surreal chapter. The young goalkeeper, currently with Jong Genk and set to join Chelsea after the tournament, found out he'd made the squad by watching television. "Ik heb mijn selectie via tv vernomen," he said – I learned of my selection through TV (2) (3).

He's now living a childhood dream and focusing entirely on the World Cup before his Premier League adventure begins.

Martens ready for his first World Cup

Goalkeeping coach Guy Martens is preparing for his first major tournament with the Red Devils. His relationship with Courtois is built on trust, not micro-management. "Thibaut Courtois asks me not how to catch a ball," Martens notes, underlining the level of understanding between the two (6).