Belgium Faces Major Blow Ahead of Quarterfinal Clash
Belgium's national team has suffered a significant setback just before the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Midfielder Amadou Onana will be unable to contribute further after sustaining a serious knee injury during the Round of 16 match against the United States. In the first half of that game, Onana tore the cruciate ligaments in his knee, forcing him out of the tournament. Following Belgium's dominant 4-1 victory, Onana was seen on crutches, underscoring the severity of his condition.
His tournament is effectively over, with recovery expected to take roughly seven to eight months. This means he will not only miss the remainder of the World Cup but also the start of the Premier League season with Aston Villa, his club side. Onana had played in four matches at the 2026 World Cup, and Belgium must now find a way to replace him in the lineup.
Round of 16 Results
The Round of 16 kicked off on July 4, 2026, with several surprising outcomes:
- Paraguay fell to France 0-1
- Canada lost to Morocco 0-3
- Brazil was defeated by Norway 1-2
- Mexico exited the tournament after a 2-3 loss to England
The final Round of 16 match pits Colombia against Switzerland on July 7. That same day also features Argentina taking on Egypt.
In related news, FIFA has made several decisions, including lifting the suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun and allowing Russia's under-15 national team to compete in the World Cup for that age group, scheduled for autumn in Azerbaijan.
Belgium will now have to adapt to life without Onana, hoping to maintain strong performances in the knockout stages. Losing a key player could significantly alter the team's tactical options, and the coaching staff will need to find ways to offset this absence. With the competition intensifying based on other Round of 16 results, Belgium must be ready for the challenges awaiting them in the quarterfinals.
Following Belgium's impressive performance against the United States, where they secured a 4-1 victory, the loss of Amadou Onana comes as a significant challenge. As the team prepares for the upcoming quarterfinals, it will be crucial to assess how the absence of such a pivotal player might affect their strategy and overall dynamics on the field. To understand the impact of this match and the team's journey, you can read more about their victory against the USA.