Gakpo stays with Netherlands at World Cup despite loss of unborn son

FootballSports
28 Jun 2026 • 2:02 PM MYT
DPA International
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Image from: Gakpo stays with Netherlands at World Cup despite loss of unborn son
File Photo- Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo reacts on the pitch following the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final match between the Netherlands and England at the BVB Stadion Dortmund in Dortmund. Friso Gentsch/dpa

Netherlands star Cody Gakpo will remain with the national team following the loss of his unborn son.

Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij announced the news on Saturday. The couple were expecting a second child together, with the baby due in October.

"With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy," Van der Bij said on Instagram.

In a post of his own, Gakpo said: "This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding."

After talking to his partner, Gakpo decided to stay with the national team while the Netherlands are still participating in the World Cup, the Dutch Football Federation said in a statement.

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