Dutch striker Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij announced on June 27 that they lost their unborn son during pregnancy [1, 2, 3, 4]. Noa van der Bij shared the news on social media, posting a photo with a baby blanket and a message of eternal love for their son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo: "我们怀着悲痛的心情宣布，我们的男宝宝在怀孕期间离开了我们。感谢大家的关爱与支持。以利亚·拉斐尔·哈克波（Elijah Raphael Gakpo），永远被爱，永远是我们的儿子。" [4].
Gakpo, 27, who has scored two goals in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and started all three matches so far, was granted time off to be with his family near the Netherlands team base in Kansas City [4]. The Netherlands Football Association said it respects Gakpo’s privacy and has provided support during this difficult time, confirming he will remain with the team [4].
Coach Ronald Koeman said, "We have done what was within our power in terms of support, as players, as staff," emphasizing the team's efforts to help Gakpo cope [1]. Captain Virgil van Dijk expressed respect for the striker and his family, stating, "The most important thing is to ask: ‘what do you need?’ It’s awful news and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life. It’s very sad but Cody deals with it. He’s very mature, very adult. I have lots of respect for the way he and his family are handling this. However awful it is, I respect it very much." Van Dijk expects Gakpo to play focused when the Netherlands face Morocco in their next World Cup match [2].
Gakpo himself has made no public comment beyond a plea for privacy and space for his family, saying, "这对我们的家庭来说，是一段极其艰难的时光。我们恳请大家给予我们隐私和空间。感谢大家的理解。" [4].
The Netherlands finished first in their group and will face Morocco on June 30 (SG time) in the last 16. Gakpo is expected to participate in the match [1, 2, 3, 4].
