Netherlands Forward Gakpo Prepares for Round of 32 Despite Loss of Unborn Child

Netherlands national football team forward Cody Gakpo (27) will remain with the team to prepare for the World Cup Round of 32 despite the tragic news of the loss of his unborn second son.
The Associated Press reported on June 28 that Noa van der Bij, Gakpo's partner, lost their second son during pregnancy.
Van der Bij shared a tribute on her social media, writing, "Thank you for the love and support. Elijah Rafael Gakpo. Forever loved, forever our son."
Gakpo and Van der Bij already have one son, and the second child was due in October.
Despite the heartbreaking news, Gakpo has remained at the Dutch team's training camp and is expected to prepare for the upcoming Round of 32 match.
The Royal Dutch Football Association stated, "We are supporting the Gakpo family as much as possible," adding, "After discussing with his partner, Gakpo has decided to stay with the national team."
Gakpo is competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America as a key forward for the Netherlands.
He contributed to the Netherlands' (2 wins, 1 draw, 7 points) first-place finish in their group and advancement to the Round of 32 by recording two goals and one assist in the group stage match against Sweden on June 21.
The Netherlands will face Morocco in the Round of 32 at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 30.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.