Aston Villa and Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee while playing for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old was hurt during his side's 4-1 last-16 win over the United States and was substituted after just 21 minutes, later leaving on crutches and wearing a knee brace. The injury is a significant blow, as such ruptures typically keep players out for between six and nine months, threatening much of Villa's upcoming Champions League campaign.

Onana went down clutching his knee after trying to reach the ball ahead of Christian Pulisic. Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene called it "devastating news" and said the medical staff would work with Villa to agree on his recovery. Onana will remain with the squad for their quarter-final against Spain in Los Angeles on Friday. Signed from Everton for £50m in July 2024, he made 38 appearances and scored twice for Villa last season, a campaign in which the club won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League.