Noa van der Bij announced on Saturday, June 27, 2026, that her unborn son with Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo died during pregnancy. Gakpo confirmed he would remain with the Netherlands national team for the World Cup in Mexico.

Van der Bij, a model, posted a photo on social media of herself and Gakpo holding hands over a blanket and a small knitted hat, alongside images of a candle and a cross. She wrote, "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy." The couple's son, who was due in October, was to be named Elijah Raphael Gakpo.

"Thank you for your love and support. Elijay Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son," Van der Bij stated. She described visiting a church to light a candle and walking to the playground with their son Samuel, where they encountered another child named Elijah. "There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God," she said. "He reminded us that our little boy is never far away."

Gakpo, 27, also issued a statement regarding the loss. "This is an incredibly difficult time for our family," he wrote. "We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for our understanding."

The Dutch Football Federation supported Gakpo's decision to stay with the squad. "We are with Cody and his family. This is a very sad private situation," the federation said. "Off course we knew about this and we support him in every way we can. Cody has decided, after talks with his girlfriend, to stay with the group. We respect their privacy and will make no further comments." The Netherlands is scheduled to play Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico.