"With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy." That was Noa van der Bij, Cody Gakpo's partner, posting to Instagram on Saturday. The couple lost their son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo, during pregnancy — while Gakpo was on the other side of the world representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.
Gakpo added his own statement: "This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for privacy and space." Then, after discussion with Noa, he stayed with the squad and played on Monday.
The decision to stay
The Dutch Football Association confirmed that the choice was Gakpo's own, made after speaking with his partner. "After discussing the situation with his partner, Cody has decided to remain with the team," the association said. "We respect their privacy and will therefore not comment further."
There's nothing to analyze there. That's a private decision made under grief, and it belongs to them.
What happened on the pitch is a matter of record. The Netherlands lost to Morocco on penalties at Monterrey Stadium and are out of the tournament — eliminated before the quarterfinals for the first time since 2006. A country that reached the World Cup final in 2010, finished third in 2014, and made the last eight in 2022, is going home early.
A tournament that ended badly in every sense
Gakpo had been one of the standout players of this World Cup before Monday's exit. His form had made him one of the most watched forwards in the competition, and his odds for individual awards were shortening with each game. That chapter is closed now.
Van der Bij also shared a moment from after the news broke — lighting a candle at church, then walking to the playground with their one-year-old son Samuel. Another child was there. His name was Elijah.
Some things don't need commentary. That's one of them.
