Why is Amadou Onana missing Spain vs Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final?

Belgium have scored 12 goals in their last three games.

Belgium are set to face European champions Spain in the quarterfinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Red Devils will enter the game with greater confidence, especially after their heroic triumphs in the knockout rounds against Senegal and the USA.

Their lineup for their upcoming clash against Luis de la Fuente’s La Roja has been announced. Veteran midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has returned to the starting XI; however, Amadou Onana has not been named in the team list.

This has left a few fans wondering about the reason behind the 24-year-old midfielder’s absence.

Also Read: Belgium starting lineup vs Spain confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Why is Amadou Onana not in the team list against Spain?

Amadou Onana, who has been a key figure in the Belgian midfield, is set to miss the remainder of the tournament due to the ACL injury he sustained during the Red Devils’ last game. The 24-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Belgium’s 4-1 triumph over the United States in the round of 16.

Onana was seen clutching his right knee after he went down following his attempt to take the ball from Christian Pulisic, who also suffered a bone bruise and microfracture against the Red Devils. Meanwhile, the Aston Villa midfielder was seen limping off and later on crutches, wearing a knee brace.

Belgium’s team doctor, Brahim Hacene, later provided a statement about the 24-year-old’s situation. He revealed:

“Unfortunately, the medical examinations have confirmed that Amadou has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament,”

“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. We will continue to provide Amadou with our full support.”

However, despite the setback, the Aston Villa midfielder will be on the sidelines to support his national side against Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Belgian men’s team also posted about Amadou Onana before the quarterfinal clash.

However, Belgian captain Youri Tielemans will take his place as a holding midfielder, while Nicolas Raskin will continue to play in his position in Rudi Garcia’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

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