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Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana, who injured his right knee in the 19th minute of Monday’s 4-1 victory over the United States in the round of 16, will miss the rest of the World Cup.
In a statement released by the Belgian football federation, team doctor Brahim Hacene said medical tests confirmed that Onana had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee.
“This is devastating news,” Hacene said, “both for him personally and for the team.”
Onana, 24, appeared in four World Cup matches for Belgium and made his second start in the tournament against the United States. Onana also played two matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and scored a goal in a resounding 5-2 victory over the United States in a World Cup warm-up match in March. He was replaced Monday in the 21st minute by Hans Vanaken, author of one of the four Belgian goals.
Onana has been with Premier League side Aston Villa since 2024 and previously played for Everton.
“We immediately consulted Amadou and Aston Villa to agree on the best approach for his recovery,” Hacene said. “Over the coming days, together we will determine the next steps in his medical treatment and rehabilitation. Throughout this process, we will continue to provide our full support to Amadou.”
Onana will remain with the Red Devils for their quarter-final match against 2010 champions Spain on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium for a place in the semi-finals against France or Morocco. There are no other significant injuries in the Belgian team, according to the press release.
Midfielder Jérémy Doku, who did not start for Belgium on Monday but came off the bench because his physical condition remains problematic, took part in Tuesday’s training. Just like midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who did not play on Monday.
Associated Press reporting.
