A monumental trial awaits Belgium in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a> Quarter-finals against Spain, yet the Red Devils must march into the crucible missing their midfield anchor, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/amadou-onana/">Amadou Onana</a>. His glaring absence casts a heavy shadow over this titanic clash, leaving supporters desperate for answers as to why the Aston Villa talisman has been sidelined for such a historic battle.



The quarterfinal in Los Angeles brings together two of Europe’s strongest national teams, with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/">Spain</a> chasing a second World Cup title and Belgium hoping to reach the semifinals for the first time since its memorable run in 1986. While Luis de la Fuente’s squad enters the match with remarkable defensive form, Belgium has been forced into a major adjustment before kickoff.



La Roja has enjoyed an impressive tournament under Luis de la Fuente. It topped its group before eliminating Austria and edging past Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic late winner.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/belgium/">Belgium</a> has also recovered from a slow start. After opening the tournament with two draws, the Red Devils responded with victories over New Zealand, Senegal and the United States, scoring 12 goals across those three matches.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Stage</th><th>Spain’s Results</th><th>Belgium’s Results</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Group Stage Match 1</td><td>Draw 0–0 vs. Cabo Verde</td><td>Draw 1–1 vs. Egypt</td></tr><tr><td>Group Stage Match 2</td><td>Win 4–0 vs. Saudi Arabia</td><td>Draw 0–0 vs. Iran</td></tr><tr><td>Group Stage Match 3</td><td>Win 1–0 vs. Uruguay</td><td>Win 5–1 vs. New Zealand</td></tr><tr><td>Round of 32</td><td>Win 3–0 vs. Austria</td><td>Win 3–2 (AET) vs. Senegal</td></tr><tr><td>Round of 16</td><td>Win 1–0 vs. Portugal</td><td>Win 4–1 vs. United States</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Rudi Garcia’s side produced one of its finest displays of the tournament by defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added further goals to secure Belgium’s place in the last eight.



<h2>Why Amadou Onana is missing against Spain</h2>



The lingering questions surrounding Amadou Onana’s absence have been met with a devastating reality. Belgium recently confirmed that their midfield warrior suffered a catastrophic ruptured ACL in his right knee during the fierce battle against the United States, cruelly ending his tournament and leaving a massive void in the heart of the squad.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/10123548/onana-belgium-world-cup-injury-2-1920x1080.webp" alt="onana belgium world cup injury" class="wp-image-664686"><figcaption>Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium reacts after sustaining an injury</figcaption></figure>



The injury occurred in the 18th minute when Onana challenged for the ball alongside United States forward Christian Pulisic. The Belgian immediately grabbed his right knee before receiving treatment from the medical staff and attempting to continue.



Although he briefly returned to his feet, it quickly became clear he could not carry on. Belgium substituted him three minutes later, replacing him with Hans Vanaken in the 21st minute. Medical examinations later confirmed the worst fears for Belgium, Aston Villa and the player himself.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Amadou Onana has suffered an ACL tear in Belgium&apos;s match vs. USA. Onana had to be subbed off early in the first-half after a non-contact injury. Clear valgus + pivoting mechanism as seen in the graphic. Expected Recovery Time: 9-12 months<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Belgium?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belgium</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AVFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVFC</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WorldCup2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup2026</a>… <a href="https://t.co/RBP5NPWp5k">pic.twitter.com/RBP5NPWp5k</a>— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) <a href="https://x.com/physioscout/status/2074409414816346476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Belgium confirms devastating diagnosis</h2>



Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene revealed the extent of the injury after further testing. “This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team,” Hacene said.



The Belgian medical staff has already begun coordinating with Aston Villa regarding the midfielder’s recovery. “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.”



Despite being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, Onana will stay with the Belgium squad through the quarterfinal to continue supporting his teammates.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/10123543/onana-belgium-world-cup-injury-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="onana belgium world cup injury" class="wp-image-664685"><figcaption>Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium reacts after sustaining an injury</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Huge blow for Belgium’s midfield as Spain looks to capitalize</h2>



The injury represents a significant setback for Rudi Garcia’s tactical plans. Onana had featured in every Belgium match during the tournament and had become a crucial presence in midfield because of his defensive work, physicality and ball-winning ability.



The Red Devils’ injury concerns arrive at the worst possible time. Spain enters the quarterfinal with virtually a full-strength squad and continues to build momentum after another disciplined defensive display against Portugal.



While Belgium still boasts attacking stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku, losing Onana removes one of the team’s most important defensive shields against Spain’s creative midfield led by Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo.

Why isn’t Amadou Onana playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

Why isn't Amadou Onana playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup? - World Soccer Talk

Aston Villa looks set to complete a surprise move for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/everton-tv-schedule/">Everton</a> star Amadou Onana. The defensive midfielder has been previously linked with top <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United. Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also shown interest in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/belgium-national-team-tv-schedule/">Belgium</a> international as well. Nevertheless, Villa now seems to have won the race for the starlet.



According to <a href="https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1812062321058939360" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Ornstein</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/aston-villa-tv-schedule/">Villa</a> are now finalizing an agreement with the Toffees to sign Onana for nearly $65 million. Everton previously purchased the midfielder from French side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/lille-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Lille</a> back in 2022. Despite paying around $38 million for the Belgian, the Merseyside club now looks to have made a solid profit on the player.



<h2>Two teams have worked together multiple times this summer</h2>



Assuming the deal is completed, it will be the third player transaction to be worked out between the two teams this summer. Villa previously sent young midfielder Tim Iroegbunam to Everton in a deal worth $11.6 million last month. Just a day later, Villa signed winger Lewis Dobben from the Toffees in a separate $12.8 million move. 



The clubs have essentially <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/chelsea-everton-villa-join-forces-to-combat-psr-issues/">worked together</a> this summer to help avoid potential profit and sustainability rules (PSR) violations. Both sides were close to the loss limits and needed to make moves. The latest financial year, however, ended on June 30th and this Onana deal is not thought to be fueled by PSR issues.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="861" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/16035755/imago1045906104h-1200x861-1200x861.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-516260" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Onana move is expected to offset the departure of Douglas Luiz to Juventus</figcaption></figure>



Onana will now likely help deflect the loss of Douglas Luiz. Villa recently sold the dynamic midfielder to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> for around $56 million.



The Old Lady helped sweeten the deal by agreeing to sell the English side two young players. Winger Samuel Iling-Junior and midfielder Enzo Barrenechea both moved to Villa for a combined fee of $24 million. All three of the deals, however, were separate moves.



Losing Luiz is certainly a significant blow for Villa manager Unai Emery. Despite regularly playing as a central midfielder/defensive midfielder, the Brazilian netted nine goals and added five assists in Premier League play last season. 



While bringing in Onana gives the Villans a boost, the Belgian is not exactly the same type of player as Luiz. The soon-to-be former Everton star contributed just two league goals last season.



<h2>Onana open to move to feature in the Champions League</h2>



Nevertheless, Onana is one of the top young defensive midfielders in the England. 



Many of the 22-year-old midfielder’s statistics do not exactly jump off of the page just yet. He is, however, a massive physical presence in the middle of the pitch. 



A tough tackler and excellent in the air, Onana should give Villa a solid foundation right in front of their central defenders.



The move from Everton to Villa will also allow Onana to play in the UEFA <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a>. 



The Birmingham-based club recently qualified for the top European competition for the first time in over 40 years. Everton, on the other hand, have narrowly avoided relegation in each of the last three campaigns. 



Along with the two aforementioned former Juve players and possibly Onana, Villa has also brought in midfielder Ross Barkley from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/luton-town-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Luton Town</a> this summer as well.



Photo credits: IMAGO / BSR Agency : IMAGO / Visionhaus.

Aston Villa's shock $65 million deal for Everton midfielder

Aston Villa look set to complete a shock $65 million move for Everton and Belgium star midfielder Amadou Onana

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Why isn’t Amadou Onana playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

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