Belgium Amadou Onana out of World Cup after ACL tear

Belgium and Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana is expected to miss the remainder of the FIFA World Cup and face a lengthy rehabilitation after suffering a serious knee injury during his nation's Round of 16 victory over the United States. The 24-year-old was forced off the pitch early in the first half of the match, which Belgium won 4-1 on Monday, July 6, in Seattle.

Onana sustained the injury in the 19th minute while defending against U.S. winger Christian Pulisic. He immediately collapsed, clutching his right knee, and was substituted two minutes later. Subsequent scans confirmed he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. After the match, Onana was seen on crutches and wearing a knee brace. Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku held up Onana's No. 24 shirt after scoring the team's fourth goal in stoppage time.

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia confirmed the severity of the injury, stating it cast a shadow over the victory and that he believed Onana's tournament was over. The midfielder will now miss Belgium's upcoming World Cup quarterfinal against Spain on Friday, July 10. Hans Vanaken, who replaced Onana, scored Belgium's third goal in the match, which also featured a first-half...