Editor’s note: Follow for USA-Belgium World Cup live updates!
SEATTLE — Belgium has lost one of its starters early in the round of 16 match against the United States.
Midfielder Amadou Onana suffered a leg injury challenging for the ball with USMNT star Christian Pulisic when they collided, and Onana immediately went down to the ground, holding his right knee as the Belgian staff was called onto the field to assist.
Advertisement
Onana did get up on his own power as he made his way toward the bench, limping to try and test if he could still continue. However, when he put pressure on his right leg, he was visibly in pain. His teammates came to his support as he was upset.
Ultimately, Belgium went for a substituition, taking out Onana for Hans Vanaken in the 21st minute.
This is the second World Cup for Onana, and he has had some success against the U.S., scoring his first international goal for Belgium when it faced USMNT in March.
Advertisement
Onana has spent the last two seasons with Aston Villa in the English Premier League, winning the UEFA Europa League in May.
USA takes on Belgium in high-stakes World Cup showdown
U.S. fans outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
USA takes on Belgium in high-stakes World Cup showdown
U.S. fans outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fans outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fan lets off a flare outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
United States fans arrive before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
(Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fans play drums outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fan holds up a poster of Folarin Balogun outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fans outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fans outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
United States fans arrive before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
(Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fans outside the stadium before the match.
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fans in period costumes on horseback outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fans outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
United States fans arrive before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
(Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Seattle streets overflow with USA fans before Belgium match
U.S. fans outside the stadium before the match.
(Blake Dahlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amadou Onana injury update: Belgium forced into early World Cup sub vs. USA
