Kansas City: The Netherlands camp has rallied around forward Cody Gakpo after the Liverpool striker and his partner Noa van der Bij suffered the loss of their unborn child during pregnancy, with coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk offering public messages of support ahead of the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Morocco.
The Dutch Football Association confirmed that Gakpo has been granted time away from the squad to be with his family during this difficult period. The situation has cast a sombre mood over the Netherlands camp as they continue preparations for their knockout fixture in Mexico.
Netherlands camp prioritises Gakpo’s well-being
Coach Ronald Koeman said the entire team and staff have focused on ensuring Gakpo receives full emotional and logistical support, stressing that football considerations are secondary in such circumstances.
“We have done what was within our power in terms of support, as players, as staff,” Koeman said, as quoted by Reuters. “Of course, the first few days he had the freedom to go out to his family and be with them. He dealt with it very well, there was never a moment where he said ‘I want to go back, I want to be with the family’.”
Koeman’s comments reflected the unified approach within the squad, with players and staff giving Gakpo space while also staying in regular contact with him and his family.
The forward has remained near the team’s base in Kansas City alongside his partner’s family, even as the squad travels to Guadalupe, Mexico, for their Round of 32 encounter against Morocco.
Van Dijk stresses life comes before football
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk also spoke about the emotional impact of the news, emphasising that the team’s primary concern is Gakpo’s well-being rather than football commitments.
“The most important thing is to ask: ‘what do you need?’ It’s awful news and it shows that football is secondary,” Van Dijk said. “There are more important things in life. It’s very sad but Cody deals with it. He’s very mature, very adult.”
Van Dijk added that he has immense respect for how Gakpo and his family are handling the situation, describing their strength and composure as admirable under extremely difficult circumstances.
Squad unity ahead of Morocco clash
Despite the emotional setback, the Netherlands squad is expected to continue preparations for their Round of 32 match against Morocco, with coaching staff ensuring that Gakpo’s absence does not disrupt team focus.
Koeman’s side has been among the more consistent teams in the tournament so far, and their progression to the knockout stages has placed them among the contenders to watch. However, the mood within the camp has been understandably subdued.
Team officials have not placed any timeline on Gakpo’s return, stating that his availability will depend entirely on personal circumstances and his readiness.
Emotional moment overshadows sporting focus
The incident has drawn widespread sympathy across the football world, with messages of support pouring in for Gakpo and his partner. Within the Netherlands camp, however, the focus remains firmly on giving their striker space while preparing for a crucial knockout fixture.
As the team shifts attention to Morocco, Koeman and Van Dijk’s statements underline a shared message — that football matters come second to personal tragedy, and the priority remains supporting one of their key players through a deeply difficult moment.