Gakpo Stays in Netherlands Squad After Unborn Son's
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Cody Gakpo will stay with the Netherlands squad at the 2026 World Cup following the loss of his unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo, confirmed on Saturday by his partner, model Noa van der Bij, who was due in October.
- Van der Bij announced the baby's death during pregnancy on social media, posting a photo of the couple holding hands over a blanket and knitted hat, writing: "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy."
- Van der Bij shared a deeply personal follow-up: after lighting a candle at a church, the couple visited a nearby playground with their son Samuel, where the only other child was named Elijah — a coincidence she called "a more beautiful sign from God" and proof that "our little boy is never far away."
- Gakpo, 27, asked for "privacy and space" in his own post, calling it "an incredibly difficult time for our family."
- The KNVB (Dutch football association) said it was "already aware" of the situation, is supporting the family where possible, and will "not comment further," leaving any further communication to the family themselves.
- Gakpo has started all three of Netherlands' World Cup group games, scoring twice against Sweden to help the team reach the knockout stages, with Netherlands next facing Morocco in the last 32 on Tuesday in Mexico.
Why it matters: Gakpo's decision to stay means the Netherlands retain a starting forward who scored both goals in a key group-stage win over Sweden, with the team now facing Morocco in the round of 32 on Tuesday. The KNVB is navigating tournament preparation while supporting a grieving player, and has signaled the family — not the federation — will control any further public communication.
Ask SkimNews
