Spain’s Alex Baena (15) shoots by Belgium’s Nathan Ngoy (25) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans was scratched Friday from the starting lineup in the World Cup quarterfinals against Spain after getting injured during pregame warmups.
Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in the starting lineup in another blow to the Red Devils’ depth.
Tielemans is Belgium’s captain and a key component of the team’s efforts on offense and defense. The Aston Villa midfielder scored two goals in Belgium’s 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the round of 32.
Vanaken came on as a substitute and scored a goal in Belgium’s 4-1 thrashing of the US on Monday. He replaced Amadou Onana, who has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a torn knee ligament.
Belgium has also played the World Cup without defender Zeno Debast, who has a leg injury and has been held out of action by his club, Sporting Lisbon.
Kevin De Bruyne returned to Belgium’s lineup against Spain after sitting out of the win over the Americans to rest.
(Inputs from AP)
Follow for live updates.
