Ahead of the Netherlands’ June 20 World Cup game against Sweden, Noa van der Bij shared an Instagram post showing her wearing the Netherlands’ iconic orange, alongside Cody Gakpo’s son in an orange No. 11 jersey marked “Papa.” The couple have been dating since
On June 19, Noa van der Bij posted a burst of orange to Instagram—an outfit moment that landed right as the Netherlands gear up for a high-stakes World Cup test.
In the photos, van der Bij wore the Netherlands’ iconic orange jerseys, including Cody Gakpo’s No. 11 kit. Beside her was Gakpo’s son, Samuël, also dressed in an orange No. 11 jersey. But this one carried a personal twist: instead of his father’s last name on the back. the jersey read “Papa.” The post was captioned. “WK 2⚽26��������”.
For Dutch fans, the timing matters. The Netherlands’ June 20 game against Sweden is the kind of match that can decide momentum—and it arrives with extra weight behind it. Many supporters feel the Netherlands may have missed a golden opportunity to win a World Cup. after some of the country’s biggest names. including Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. have retired.
Still, the squad the Netherlands brought to the 2026 World Cup remains loaded. Virgil van Dijk stands out as arguably the greatest defender in the world right now, and the team also has talented forwards such as Liverpool left winger Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo, though, will need to deliver if the Netherlands hope to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. His club success may be matched by his personal stability: he has been dating his longtime girlfriend, Dutch model Noa van der Bij, since 2020.
The couple’s family life is now part of his World Cup story. They welcomed a son named Samuël Seth Gakpo in April 2024. And as Gakpo’s professional soccer journey brings him to the United States for the World Cup. van der Bij is already there—turning her support into something fans can see and share.
Saturday’s Netherlands vs. Sweden match offers a clear stage for that support to meet the scoreboard. And in her orange post—complete with the “Papa” jersey—van der Bij made one thing unmistakable: whatever happens on the pitch, the moment has already become personal at home.
Noa van der Bij Cody Gakpo Netherlands World Cup Sweden June 20 orange jersey Samuël Seth Gakpo Instagram post WK 2⚽26
Orange jerseys = guaranteed win right? 😑
Wait so the kid’s jersey says “Papa” instead of Gakpo’s name? Kinda sweet but also like… do they really need to be posting that right before the Sweden game.
I don’t even get it. If they’re saying “WK 2⚽26” that means World Cup 2026 but the game is June 20 like in 2025? Time is confusing. Also Virgil van Dijk is the greatest defender like always, so does this jersey matter or nah.
Every time I see Cody Gakpo I’m like where’s the old Dutch team that had Robben and van Persie, feels like they missed their window. But then this post with the baby in orange is like… cute chaos. If he has family stability or whatever then ok, maybe it helps. Still I’m not convinced, Sweden games are tough and orange doesn’t score goals by itself.