Belgium have been dealt a significant setback after midfielder Amadou Onana sustained a serious knee injury during their 4-1 FIFA World Cup last-16 victory over the United States.
The 24-year-old was forced off just 21 minutes into the match after appearing to injure his right knee while challenging for the ball ahead of American captain Christian Pulisic.
Medical staff attended to Onana on the pitch before he left the field with assistance.
He was later seen moving on crutches while wearing a protective knee brace, raising immediate fears about the severity of the injury.
Medical Tests Confirm ACL Rupture
Those concerns have now been confirmed, with Belgium’s medical team announcing that Onana has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
Team doctor Brahim Hacene described the diagnosis as heartbreaking, revealing that Belgium’s medical staff have already been in discussions with both the player and Aston Villa regarding the most appropriate recovery plan.
According to Hacene, the coming days will be used to finalize the course of treatment and rehabilitation, while emphasizing that the national team will continue to support Onana throughout his recovery.
Midfielder to Remain With Belgium Squad
Despite being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, Belgium have confirmed that Onana will stay with the squad as they prepare for Friday’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain in Los Angeles.
His presence is expected to provide moral support for teammates even though he will play no further part on the pitch.
Lengthy Recovery Expected
An ACL rupture is among the most serious injuries a footballer can suffer.
Depending on the extent of the damage and the rehabilitation process, players typically require between six and nine months before returning to competitive action.
The injury means Onana is likely to miss a substantial portion of the upcoming club season as he begins a lengthy rehabilitation programme.
Difficult Timing for Aston Villa
The news also represents a major concern for Aston Villa ahead of what promises to be a demanding campaign.
After lifting the Europa League trophy and securing a fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season, Villa are preparing for a return to the UEFA Champions League alongside their domestic commitments.
Losing a key midfielder for an extended period would be a significant setback for manager Unai Emery as the club aims to compete on multiple fronts.
Important Player for Club and Country
Onana joined Aston Villa from Everton in a £50 million transfer during the summer of 2024 and quickly established himself as a vital part of the squad.
During the 2025-26 season, he made 38 appearances in all competitions and scored twice while helping Villa enjoy one of the most successful campaigns in their recent history.
At the World Cup, Onana featured from the start in Belgium’s opening 1-1 draw with Egypt before coming off the bench in victories over New Zealand and Senegal.
He returned to the starting lineup against the United States, but his tournament ended prematurely after the unfortunate injury.
Belgium Face Quarter-Final Challenge Without Onana
Belgium must now prepare for one of their toughest tests of the tournament without one of their first-choice midfielders.
While the team advances to the quarter-finals with confidence after an emphatic win over the United States, replacing Onana’s energy, physical presence and defensive qualities will be a difficult task as they face Spain for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
