Late Blow for Belgium: Tielemans Ruled Out After Pre-Match Injury Ahead of Spain Clash

Belgium’s World Cup 2026 campaign took a sickening twist just minutes before kick-off in the quarter-final against Spain. Midfield general Youri Tielemans picked up an injury during the warm-up, forcing a desperate last-minute change to the starting lineup. Medical staff quickly confirmed that the player could not take part, leaving the coaching staff with no choice but to reshuffle their plans. Tielemans had been an ever-present figure in this tournament, starting every previous match, pulling the strings from centre-midfield, and bagging two goals — including the vital winner in the remarkable victory over Senegal. His absence is a massive tactical headache for the side. Stepping into the breach is experienced Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken. Until now, Vanaken had appeared in all of Belgium’s matches as a substitute, but this quarter-final will be his first start. He already left his mark on the competition during the thrashing of the United States, scoring one and setting up another. The Belgian camp will be hoping his calm head can help cover for the loss of their midfield engine.