Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana tears ACL in World Cup win over USA

Midfielder Amadou Onana was forced off 21 minutes into Belgium’s 4‑1 round‑of‑16 victory over the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury. Medical tests confirmed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, an injury the Belgium team doctor called “devastating news”. The diagnosis means Onana will miss the remainder of the tournament and will be out for an estimated seven to eight months, ruling him out of the upcoming club season with Aston Villa.

Onana’s absence is a major blow for Belgium, which now must adjust its midfield for the quarter‑final against Spain without one of its key defensive enforcers. It also leaves Aston Villa, the Premier League club that signed him for £50 million in 2024, facing a significant gap in its midfield as it prepares for a Champions League campaign.

The injury was sustained while contesting a ball with US captain Christian Pulisic; Onana limped off, later seen on crutches with a knee brace. Despite being ruled out, he will remain with the Belgian squad in Los Angeles to support his teammates.