​INGLEWOOD, CA — Belgium will be without midfielder Amadou Onana when it faces European champion Spain in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals after confirming that he tore his right ACL in the round of 16 victory over the United States men’s national team. Onana was walking with crutches after Belgium’s 4-1 triumph over the U.S., and Red Devils coach Rudi Garcia had already hinted that the Aston Villa midfielder might not be able to participate further in the tournament. Subsequent medical tests substantiated the worst fears.
“This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team,” Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene said on Tuesday, July 7. “We immediately consulted with Amadou and with Aston Villa to agree on the best approach to his recovery. Over the coming days, we will jointly determine the next steps in his medical treatment and rehabilitation.”
Hacene added that Onana would remain with the squad through the quarterfinals. Belgium is scheduled to play Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday, July 10, in Los Angeles. The winner will advance to face France in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 14.
The injury occurred early in the Round of 16 clash. In the 18th minute, Onana challenged for the ball with U.S. star Christian Pulisic and the two players collided. Onana immediately collapsed, clutching his right knee as Belgian medical staff rushed to his aid. He initially attempted to continue, rising to his feet and limping toward the bench to see if he could push through the pain. He appeared to be in significant distress as he tested the leg, and Belgium ultimately substituted him in the 21st minute, bringing on Hans Vanaken.
This World Cup marks Onana’s second appearance in the tournament for Belgium, and he had played in every match thus far, including two starts. His absence is a blow to Belgium, which will lean on a squad already facing a tough test against Spain, the continental champions who topped a demanding group stage and knockout rounds to reach the quarterfinals. The Belgians will look to adapt their midfield balance in Onana’s absence, seeking cohesion and depth to counter Spain’s technical talent and pressing style.
The news reverberates through Belgium’s plans as the team shifts its focus to recovery and strategy. Hacene emphasized that the medical team and club staff will coordinate closely to map out a structured rehabilitation timeline, maximizing Onana’s chance to return if the tournament progresses deeper, while also ensuring the squad remains competitive in the immediate next match. With Onana sidelined, Belgium will rely on the collective effort of their midfield corps to fill the void, mixing experience with vigor to create the necessary balance in both defense and attack.
In the wake of the injury, questions have arisen about Belgium’s tactical adjustments and the possible personnel changes for the looming quarterfinal—especially given Spain’s style, which demands high pressing, quick ball movement, and precision in possession. The Belgian coaching staff will weigh options ranging from shifting roles for existing midfielders to deploying additional defensive protection against a Spain side that ranks among the world’s best. The plan is to keep the team cohesive, maintain structure, and exploit any opportunities that might arise against a technically polished opponent.
As Belgium rallies around the setback, the sentiment remains one of determination to honor Onana’s contribution and push through the remainder of the World Cup with the same fighting spirit that carried them to the knockout rounds. The team’s medical staff has committed to providing ongoing updates on Onana’s condition as the recovery process unfolds, while the broader squad focuses on preparing for one of football’s most anticipated knockout games, a match that could redefine Belgium’s trajectory in the 2026 World Cup.