Cody Gakpo received a heartbreaking tragedy when losing his unborn child, but still decided to stay with the Netherlands team to battle at the 2026 World Cup.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed Gakpo will continue to accompany “the Orange Whirlwind” at the 2026 World Cup following the family tragedy. The 27-year-old striker’s decision received absolute respect and support from the coaching staff as well as the entire team.
The sad news was announced by Gakpo’s partner, Noa van der Bij, on her personal page. She choked back tears sharing: “With broken hearts, we are pained to announce that our child could not come into the world. Thank you everyone for the love and encouragement. Elijah Raphael Gakpo, you will forever be loved, forever be our son.”
Gakpo and Noa have been together since 2020. The two have a firstborn son named Samuel, born in April 2024. Just about a month ago, the couple happily announced they were preparing to welcome a new member, before the tragedy suddenly struck.
KNVB stated they will support Gakpo and his family during this difficult period. Nevertheless, the Liverpool forward decided to continue staying at the Netherlands team headquarters to head towards the round of 32 along with his teammates.
It is currently unclear whether Gakpo will take the pitch in the clash against Morocco on June 30. The final decision will depend on the mental state as well as the player’s own desires.
At the 2026 World Cup, Gakpo is a prominent factor for the Netherlands. He started all 3 group stage matches and scored a brace in the 5-1 victory over Sweden, contributing to helping the team secure a ticket to the knockout round.
