Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and his partner lose their unborn child during the 2026 World Cup
The partner of Dutch international Cody Gakpo has announced the loss of their unborn son via a social media post, as the Liverpool forward competes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement
On the afternoon of Saturday 27 June, Noa van der Breij, the partner of Netherlands and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, shared the news that their unborn son had died during the pregnancy. She posted a photograph on Instagram showing the couple’s hands embracing the baby, along with a short statement.
With a broken heart, we inform you that our little son passed away during the pregnancy. Thank you for all the support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever our son.
The news broke while Gakpo is away with the Dutch national squad at the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup context
The 27-year-old attacker has been part of the Netherlands team that has already progressed to the round of 32. Their next fixture is against Morocco, scheduled for 30 June at 04:00 local time. No announcement has yet been made about whether Gakpo will remain with the squad or return home.
Earlier pregnancy announcement
Around one month ago, Gakpo himself had made public that the couple were expecting their second child. The family’s loss now casts a shadow over what had been a high point in his international career.
No further details about the circumstances of the miscarriage have been shared, and the family has requested privacy through the Instagram post.
