Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during their 4-1 win against the United States in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match held on July 7 in Seattle [1, 2, 3, 4].
Onana was substituted just 21 minutes into the match after landing awkwardly and clutching his knee [1, 2, 3]. Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene confirmed the ACL rupture, calling it "devastating news, both for him personally and for the team" [1, 2, 3, 4]. Hacene said the medical staff immediately consulted with Onana and Aston Villa to plan the best approach to his recovery and pledged full support throughout his rehabilitation [2].
Typical recovery time for an ACL rupture in footballers ranges from six to nine months [2]. Onana joined Aston Villa in July 2024 for a £50 million transfer from Everton. He made 38 appearances last season and scored two goals [2]. At the World Cup, Onana started four matches for Belgium including the round of 16 fixture against the US [2, 4].
Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals on July 14. Onana will remain with the squad through that match but will not be available to play [1, 2, 3, 4]. The team aims to support his medical treatment and rehabilitation following the injury.
The focus now turns to Belgium's quarter-final clash against Spain, where Onana will be part of the squad but sidelined due to injury [1, 2, 3, 4].
