Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo will play Monday’s World Cup round-of-32 match against Morocco after his partner announced their unborn son died during pregnancy. With the Netherlands preparing for the knockout stage, teammates and coaches say he was offered ti
MONTERREY, Mexico — Cody Gakpo steps toward Monday’s round-of-32 match against Morocco with grief that has no place on a tournament schedule.
The Netherlands forward and his partner, Noa van der Bij, announced Saturday that their unborn son died during pregnancy. Van der Bij wrote on social media: “With broken hearts. we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. ” adding. “Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”.
The couple welcomed their first child, Samuël, in 2025. They said they were expecting a second baby just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gakpo later posted his own message. writing. “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. ” and asking for privacy: “We kindly ask for privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”.
Even with that loss unfolding days before his next match, Gakpo chose to remain with the Dutch squad. He is expected to step onto the field Monday, June 29, as the team prepares for the knockout stage.
Virgil van Dijk. the Netherlands captain and Gakpo’s Liverpool teammate. said the tragedy is a reminder that life extends far beyond football. “It’s awful news. and you’re right. it reminds us that football is secondary and there are much more important things in life. ” Van Dijk said. “Cody is dealing with it, and he’s determined to help the team reach the next round.”.
Head coach Ronald Koeman said the squad has rallied around Gakpo during the difficult period. “As you said, it was very sad news that Cody and his family received,” Koeman said. “We’ve done everything in our power to support him as players and staff.”
Koeman added that Gakpo was given the chance to be with his family in recent days. but “always expressed his desire to stay with the squad.” Koeman said Gakpo never asked to leave. “He handled it very well,” Koeman said. “There was never a moment where he said he wanted to leave the squad and go home. That says a lot about his maturity and the way he deals with difficult situations alongside his family. He’s ready to play.”.
For the Netherlands, the immediate stakes are the next 90 minutes. The 27-year-old forward will attempt to help lead the Oranje into the round of 16 while carrying unimaginable grief. Gakpo has started all three World Cup matches for the Netherlands, contributing two goals and an assist thus far.
This tournament’s scale has already set a high bar for attention and noise—its reported attendance record has been topped. reaching 3. 605. 357 fans—but for Gakpo. the story is anchored in something far more personal. The Netherlands can still move forward in the bracket. For Gakpo. the question now is how to carry both the work of the match and the weight of family tragedy into the same moment.
Cody Gakpo Netherlands Morocco 2026 World Cup Virgil van Dijk Ronald Koeman Noa van der Bij Elijah Raphael Gakpo World Cup round of 32