Belgium captain Youri Tielemans is ruled out of Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal against Spain after suffering an injury during pre-match warm-ups, according to multiple reports. He is scratched at the last minute, with the withdrawal coming just minutes before kickoff. Belgium have not provided details on the nature or severity of the injury. Because of the change, Tielemans is replaced in the starting lineup by Hans Vanaken.
Tielemans, 28, has been a key part of Belgium’s tournament campaign, appearing in important knockout matches. Reports note that he scored the decisive penalty in Belgium’s Round of 32 win over Senegal. He also played in the Round of 16 match, a 4-1 victory over the United States, and was expected to have a major role against Spain before the injury. Belgium are also already without Amadou Onana, who is ruled out of the tournament with an ACL injury, leaving Belgium with further midfield disruption ahead of the quarterfinal.
