Cody Gakpo scores through tears as Van Dijk leads Dutch support

Three World Cup goals, one devastating family loss, and a moment that stopped a knockout match from feeling like just another result. Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands against Morocco only days after he and his partner, Noa van der Bij, announced the loss of their unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo. The goal came in a last-32 tie the Dutch ultimately lost 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, turning a football night in Mexico into a public display of grief, loyalty and team support.

The Bottom Line

• Cody Gakpo scored the Netherlands' opening goal in their World Cup last-32 tie against Morocco.
• The Netherlands lost 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
• Gakpo and Noa van der Bij had announced on Saturday that their unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo, had died during pregnancy.
• Virgil van Dijk embraced Gakpo after the goal and said football is secondary in such moments.
• Gakpo started every Netherlands match at the tournament and finished with three goals.

Breaking It Down

The story began away from the pitch. Van der Bij shared the news on social media, posting a picture of the couple holding hands over a blanket and knitted hat. The couple had been expecting their second child together, with the baby due in October, and they named him Elijah Raphael Gakpo.

With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy.

Gakpo, 27, remained with the Netherlands squad after talks with his family. A Dutch team statement carried by Yahoo Sports said the squad was with Cody and his family, while respecting their privacy. Gakpo also asked publicly for privacy and space, describing it as an incredibly difficult time for his family.

Before the Morocco match, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said the player had been given room to be with his family and had not asked to leave the tournament. Koeman framed the decision not as pressure from the squad, but as Gakpo's own way of handling a private tragedy while staying close to the team environment.

There was never a moment where he said he wanted to leave the squad and go home.

Then came the 72nd minute against Morocco. Gakpo scored the opening goal, sank to his knees and appeared to weep as teammates rushed around him. According to BBC Sport, Van Dijk embraced him as the players walked back towards their own half. Iissa Diop later levelled in stoppage time, Morocco forced extra time, and the North Africans won the shootout.

Why This Matters

Football often sells itself on pressure, scorelines and national expectation. This was different. Gakpo's goal mattered because it exposed the emotional load players can carry even while performing at the highest level. His teammates' reaction — surrounding him, holding him, giving him space inside the celebration — showed how quickly competition can give way to care.

Van Dijk's role stood out because he is both Gakpo's Netherlands captain and Liverpool teammate. His comments before the match placed the tragedy above the tournament itself, a rare public reminder from a captain that elite sport has limits.

It's awful news, and reminds us that football is secondary and there are much more important things in life.

For Australian football followers watching the World Cup from afar, the match was also a reminder that tournament moments are not only about who advances. Morocco's win decided the sporting outcome. Gakpo's reaction became the human image of the night.

What Comes Next

The Netherlands are out after the penalty defeat to Morocco. Gakpo was substituted in the 113th minute for Justin Kluivert and did not take part in the shootout.

Morocco's win set up the next step in their tournament path. The Athletic reported before the match that the winner would face co-hosts Canada in Houston on July 4.