Cody Gakpo Credits Freedom of Role With Netherlands for World Cup Form as Liverpool Future Remains Uncertain

Cody Gakpo has spoken openly about the differences between his roles at club and international level, pointing to the greater freedom he enjoys under the Netherlands setup as a key factor behind his eye-catching form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 27-year-old was on the scoresheet again as the Netherlands defeated Sweden in Group F, with Gakpo and Brian Brobbey each netting twice in what proved to be a historically significant result. The win made the Netherlands only the ninth nation in history to reach 100 World Cup goals.

Speaking after the match, Gakpo addressed the noticeable gap in his performances between club and country directly. “It’s a little bit different. How I play here, where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have… at the club. That’s it basically,” the forward said.

The numbers reinforce his point. Gakpo now has five goals in seven World Cup appearances and carries an overall international record of 23 goals in 52 matches for the Netherlands — a return that compares favourably with his output at Anfield, where his role has at times been more restricted depending on tactical demands.

The victory over Sweden moved the Netherlands to the top of Group F on four points, placing them in a strong position ahead of their final group-stage fixture against Tunisia. That match now presents the Oranje with the opportunity to confirm knockout-stage qualification and potentially finish as group winners.

For Tunisia, the situation is already resolved in the worst possible way. The North African side were eliminated from the tournament following their defeat to Japan — a result that made them the first African nation to exit the 2026 World Cup. That outcome means the Netherlands-Tunisia fixture carries considerably less jeopardy for both sides by the time it kicks off.

While Gakpo’s international form has been one of the stories of the tournament’s opening phase, his club future continues to attract scrutiny. Liverpool have entered a new chapter following the appointment of Andoni Iraola as manager, with the Spaniard already reported to be reshaping the squad ahead of the upcoming season. Whether Gakpo features prominently in Iraola’s plans — and in what role — remains to be seen.

The contrast Gakpo has described is not uncommon among players who operate in wide or support positions at club level before being granted more central or free-roaming responsibilities with their national teams. For Gakpo specifically, the World Cup stage has consistently brought out his most productive football, and his current tournament tally of five goals in seven appearances underlines the extent to which the international environment suits his game.