Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo to remain with World Cup team after death of unborn son

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and his partner, model Noa van der Bij, announced the death of their unborn son on Saturday.

>The couple had previously announced the pregnancy last month, with a due date in October. The couple already have a son together, two-year-old Samuel. Their second son was to be named Elijah Raphael Gakpo.

>Per ESPN, Gakpo will remain with the Dutch team at the 2026 World Cup, where it posted a 2-1-0 record to win Group F and will face Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico on Monday. The team’s statement:

"We are with Cody and his family," a statement read. "This is a very sad private situation. Off course we knew about this and we support him in every way we can.

>"Cody has decided, after talks with his girlfriend, to stay with the group. We respect their privacy and will make no further comments."

The Liverpool forward requested privacy on his Instagram story:

This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.

Sending love, prayers and support from all of us to you and your family, Cody ❤️🧡 https://t.co/KoFlp6ba7N

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 27, 2026On her own Instagram story, Van der Bij posted a picture at a church and shared a story:

We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah.

>There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God.

>He reminded us that our little boy is never far away.

Gakpo, who shared the title of top goalscorer at Euro 2024, recorded a brace against Sweden last Saturday to help his team take control of its group.