Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has made himself available for the Netherlands' World Cup clash with Morocco, just days after his partner publicly announced she had suffered a miscarriage
Paul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent
12:30, 29 Jun 2026
Cody Gakpo will continue playing at the World Cup
Cody Gakpo will continue playing at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo has declared himself available for the Netherlands' World Cup encounter with Morocco, mere days after his partner disclosed she had experienced a miscarriage.
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has offered his support to Gakpo and his loved ones, commending how they have handled the heartbreaking circumstances in recent days. On Saturday, Gakpo's girlfriend, Noa van der Bij, shared on social media how their son, whom the pair had called Elijah, had passed away during pregnancy.
The revelation prompted an overwhelming wave of sympathy for Gakpo and his family, yet the Liverpool forward has confirmed his readiness to feature for Ronald Koeman's team against Morocco at Estadio Monterrey on Monday.
"Being there for Cody is the most important thing," Van Dijk told a press conference on Sunday.
"It's terrible. At such a moment, it becomes clear again that football is a side issue. And that there are more important things in life. It's very sad. You never want to go through this.
"But as the national coach says, and knowing Cody, he is very keen to continue for a round. He dealt with it very maturely. I have a lot of respect for how he, but also Noa and his family, have handled this."
Virgil van Dijk has offered his support to Gakpo
Virgil van Dijk has offered his support to Gakpo(Image: Getty Images)
During the press conference previewing the fixture against the African nation, Koeman revealed that the players were prepared to grant Gakpo leave, only for the forward to inform them he wished to participate. "That was sad news we heard," Koeman said.
"What Cody, his wife and family have been told. We did everything in our power to support him. As a staff, we gave him the freedom to leave the hotel and be with the family in the first few days.
"I think Cody handled that very well. There has never been a moment when he said, 'I want to go back [home]' or 'I want to be with the family.'
"He has assessed that himself and done it in his own way. I think that shows maturity, how he and the family have dealt with this.
"So he's ready to play, and it doesn't weigh on his performance. He does this in his own way with the family, and that is very strong and beautiful.
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"We have left it that way. We have been there as support, where we could be, just like the players."
In the emotional post on Saturday, Gakpo's long-term partner Noa wrote: "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy.
"Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son."