Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Amadou Onana is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after Belgium confirmed the midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the World Cup.
Onana was withdrawn in the 21st minute of Belgium’s 4-1 win over the United States in their last 16 clash at Seattle Stadium after challenging with Christian Pulisic.
The 24-year-old had started two of his four appearances at the World Cup for Belgium, who will face European Champions Spain in the quarter-finals this Friday.
Belgium are in the last eight at the World Cup for the first time since they finished third in Russia eight years ago, but Onana will play no part in the rest of their campaign.
It has been reported that the Aston Villa midfielder could be out of action for up to eight months, which is a big blow to his club side and Belgium.
“Unfortunately, the medical examinations have confirmed that Amadou has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament,” team doctor Brahim Hacene said in a statement.
“This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team. 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.
“Throughout this process, we will continue to provide Amadou with our full support.”
We’re with you, Amadou! pic.twitter.com/0mQUnJDxD6
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 7, 2026
Belgium have progressed from two of their three previous World Cup quarter-finals, eliminating Spain on penalties in 1986 and beating Brazil 2-1 in 2018.
Their one defeat at this stage came in 2014, going down 0-1 to Argentina, and they must now try and beat Luis de la Fuente’s side without one of their experienced players.
It will be the third World Cup match between Spain and Belgium, and second at the quarter-final stage, after the Red Devils progressed 40 years ago.
The winner of the tie will take on either France or Morocco for a spot in the showpiece match on July 19.
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