Confirmed loss: Midfielder Onana suffers a severe knee injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup for both Belgium and Aston Villa.
The 2026 World Cup has hit a bitter note for the Belgium national team. Midfielder Onana, a key component of the Belgian tactical setup, is officially out for the rest of the tournament. Medical exams conducted this Monday (6) confirmed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, a serious injury that will require a long recovery period away from the pitch.
The incident occurred just 21 minutes into the first half during the Round of 16 clash against the United States. Following a physical challenge for possession with American player Pulisic, the athlete felt intense pain in his knee and had to be substituted immediately, receiving treatment on the pitch before leaving the game.
Impact on clubs and national team
Despite the blow of losing a starter, Belgium maintained focus and secured a convincing 4-1 victory over the hosts. Striker Lukaku, in a gesture of solidarity, dedicated the fourth goal of the match to his teammate, holding up Onana‘s number 24 jersey for the cameras—a moment that moved fans in the stadium.
“The injury, confirmed by The Athletic, brought immediate concern not only to the Belgian coaching staff but also to the board of Aston Villa, the club that holds the player’s rights in the Premier League.”
The news is a heavy blow to Aston Villa‘s planning. With expectations that Onana will be sidelined for a significant portion of the 2026/27 season, the English club’s leadership is already actively scouting the transfer market for a suitable replacement in the defensive midfield role.
Upcoming challenges
Now, Belgium‘s focus turns entirely to preparation for the quarterfinals. The team faces a titanic clash against Spain, scheduled for next Friday (10). Onana‘s absence will test the depth of the Belgian squad, which must overcome the loss of one of its main defensive pillars to keep its World Cup title dreams alive.
