Cody Gakpo's reaction after losing his son before scoring for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.
On 30 June 2026, images surfaced showing the reaction of Cody Gakpo, the Dutch national team forward from Liverpool, during a crucial moment in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match against Morocco.
In this match, Cody Gakpo scored again to put the Netherlands ahead 1-0 against Morocco in the 72nd minute. He then collapsed to the ground in tears, prompting teammates on the field and substitutes to rush over and offer support.
Just the previous Saturday, Cody Gakpo and his girlfriend, Noa van der Bij, received the sad news that their unborn son, Elijah Rafael Gakpo, who was due in October, had been lost during pregnancy.
Nevertheless, Cody Gakpo decided to continue playing for the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup. He scored his third goal of the tournament, crying as he dedicated the goal to his late son. After receiving encouragement from his teammates, he stood and continued playing.
Unfortunately, the match did not end in their favor. Morocco equalized 1-1 during injury time at 90+1 minutes through Issa Diop. The game extended into extra time and was decided by a penalty shootout, where Morocco outscored the Netherlands 3-2.
As a result, Cody Gakpo and the Netherlands missed the chance to compete for their first World Cup title. Morocco advanced to the round of 16 to face co-host nation Canada on 4 July.
