Gakpo scores through grief as Netherlands edge Morocco at 2026 World Cup

Cody Gakpo scored the opening goal as the Netherlands defeated Morocco in their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup, but the Liverpool winger’s celebration told a story far heavier than football. The 27-year-old collapsed on the pitch in tears after netting, having spent the 48 hours prior with his family following the loss of his and his partner’s unborn child.

Gakpo was put through on goal by Crysencio Summerville, who latched onto Wout Weghorst’s flick-on and ran clear of the Morocco backline before teeing up his teammate to sweep home. The entire Netherlands bench sprinted onto the pitch to console and congratulate Gakpo inside the Morocco penalty area.

Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman praised both Gakpo and his family for the composure they showed during an extraordinarily difficult period. “We have done what was within our power in terms of support, as players, as staff,” Koeman said. “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’.”

Captain Virgil van Dijk echoed his manager’s sentiments, reflecting on the perspective the situation brought to the squad. “The most important thing is to ask: ‘What do you need?’ It’s awful news and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life. It’s very sad but Cody deals with it.”

The goal moved Gakpo to within one of equalling Johnny Rep’s record as the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer at World Cups. He has now contributed three goals and one assist at the 2026 tournament, having already netted a brace against Sweden in the group stage before his decisive contribution against Morocco.