Cody Gakpo remains with Netherlands squad after girlfriend announces loss of unborn son during World Cup

Personal loss announced

Noa van der Bij, the girlfriend of Dutch striker Cody Gakpo, shared on Instagram on Saturday that the couple's unborn son had died during the pregnancy. The child was named Elijah Raphael Gakpo.

“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our little boy died during the pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Loved forever. Our son forever.”

She later posted about visiting a church playground with their son Samuel, where the only other child present was named Elijah, which she called a sign from God.

Gakpo, who is 27, posted separately:

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

Decision to stay with the national team

After consulting with his girlfriend, Gakpo decided to remain with the Netherlands squad for the World Cup knockout stage, the Dutch football federation confirmed. The Liverpool attacker has started all three group-stage matches and scored twice, including a brace in the 5-1 win against Sweden.

Team preparations for Morocco

On June 28, the full 26-man squad trained in Kansas City in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. Gakpo took part in the session, which included warm-ups and passing drills, before the team flew to Monterrey, Mexico. Coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk are scheduled to hold a press conference at the Monterrey Stadium ahead of the match.

Round of 16 outlook

The Netherlands finished top of Group F with seven points after a draw with Japan, a heavy victory over Sweden, and a 3-1 defeat of Tunisia. That avoided a clash with Brazil and set up a last-sixteen tie against Morocco, who impressed by drawing 1-1 with Brazil. The match is set for Monday, June 29 at 20:00 local time in Monterrey (early Tuesday morning in European time zones).