Cody Gakpo helped the Netherlands to victory in their final warm-up game ahead of the World Cup, with the Liverpool forward the subject of growing speculation over his future
12:57, 09 Jun 2026
NEW YORK - Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands during the friendly match between the Netherlands and Uzbekistan at Icahn Stadium on June 8, 2026, in New York, United States. The Dutch national team is preparing for the World Cup. KOEN VAN WEEL / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo scored twice for the Netherlands amid speculation over his future at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo was faultless from the spot as his two penalties helped the Netherlands to a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan ahead of the World Cup.
The forward is one of three Liverpool players in action for the Dutch at this summer’s tournament, alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch. There’s no place for Jeremie Frimpong though, even after Jurrien Timber was ruled out through injury.
Ronald Koeman’s side gets its tournament underway on Sunday as it takes on Japan in its opening group game, which could see the Liverpool trio come up against fellow teammate Wataru Endo, and Gakpo has got himself in the goals just in time.
The 27-year-old struck twice against Uzbekistan, both from the spot, as he spared his country more blushes after losing to Algeria in their other warm-up game last week.
Both penalties were won by players who have been linked with moves to Anfield this summer. Crysencio Summerville, who looks likely to leave West Ham following relegation from the Premier League, was brought down for the opener, while Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke was fouled late on as Gakpo secured his side’s victory deep into stoppage time.
Van Dijk, Gravenberch and Gakpo all started in what would appear to be an indication that all three will be in Koeman’s preferred team for the World Cup, but it was far from an ideal warm-up for the Dutch.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 8: Cody Gakpo #11 of the Netherlands scores a penalty kick during the international friendly match against Uzbekistan at Icahn Stadium on June 8, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo scores from the spot for the Netherlands against Uzbekistan(Image: Getty Images)
The game was played with no fans in attendance on a training pitch in New York. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had to be substituted early in the second half, raising injury concerns on the eve of the World Cup, while midfielder Guus Til was sent off late on, having only been on the pitch for just over 15 minutes.
Gakpo though will be pleased with his contribution after what was a difficult season with the Reds. He will hope his goals can set him up for a positive World Cup, and send a reminder as speculation begins to grow over his future.
The forward is being linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Dutch outlet Soccer News claiming Tottenham has held talks with his representatives, while he has also been touted as a possible makeweight in a swap deal for Yan Diomande.
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Rumors of Gakpo’s future come after Arne Slot was fired as head coach, with Andoni Iraola replacing him. Gakpo was a regular starter under Slot, and the forward has admitted his departure came as a shock.
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“A shame that the manager has been sacked. Especially so soon after the season where we had fought to qualify for the Champions League,” he said last week.
He added: “I don’t think anyone, any of the players saw it coming. It certainly happened, but apart from that, I think many of our players at the club are also working towards the World Cup now. We have to put it to the side.”