Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo scored the opening goal in his country's World Cup round-of-32 match against Morocco on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, just days after the loss of his unborn son.
The 27-year-old Liverpool attacker was visibly emotional and in tears after finding the net in the 72nd minute of the knockout tie.
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His teammates immediately surrounded him on the pitch, falling to their knees to offer support before captain Virgil van Dijk embraced him as they walked back to the center circle.
Gakpo chose to remain with the national team despite the personal tragedy.
His partner, model Noa van der Bij, had publicly shared the news of their loss on social media on Saturday, revealing the couple were expecting their second child together in October.
Van der Bij posted a photograph of the couple holding hands over a blanket and a knitted hat, expressing their grief online.
"With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy," she wrote.
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She thanked supporters and dedicated a final message to their child: "Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved.
Forever our son."
According to match statistics, Gakpo started every fixture for the Netherlands during this World Cup campaign, contributing three goals in total.
However, the Netherlands eventually lost to Morocco 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Morocco's Issa Diop scored an equalizer in stoppage time to force extra time.
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Gakpo was substituted in the 113th minute and did not participate in the final shootout, as reported by the BBC.
