World Cup
Injury sidelines Youri Tielemans, tests Belgium Red Devils' depth
Injury forced Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans off the pitch on Friday, just before the World Cup quarter‑final against Spain, after he suffered a knock in the pre‑game warm‑ups. The Red Devils entered the decisive match without their captain, prompting a reshuffle of the starting eleven.
Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in the starting eleven, a further blow to the Red Devils' depth as the squad prepares for the Spain encounter. Vanaken's inclusion underscores the limited options available.
Tielemans, Belgium's captain, is described as a key component of the team's offensive and defensive efforts, and his celebration after scoring was captured by Manu Fernandez/AP in INGLEWOOD, Calif., during the round‑of‑32 win over Senegal in Seattle on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The footage highlighted his impact in that match.
LIVE: Vanaken starts, De Bruyne captains Belgium as Tielemans injured
The Aston Villa midfielder netted two goals in Belgium's 3‑2 comeback victory over Senegal in that round‑of‑32 match. His brace was crucial to overturning the deficit. Vanaken later came on as a substitute and scored in Belgium's 4‑1 thrashing of the U.S. on Monday, after replacing Amadou Onana, who has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a torn knee ligament. The goal added to Belgium's attacking options. Belgium has also been without defender Zeno Debast, sidelined by a leg injury and held out by his club Sporting Lisbon. His absence further strains the defensive line. Kevin De Bruyne returned to Belgium's lineup against Spain after sitting out the win over the Americans to rest, adding experience to a squad coping with multiple absences. His presence offers leadership in midfield.